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Flight Attendant Manual
Emergency Procedures
Revision: 17
9.27
05/01/09
Page: 9-28
Fire and Smoke Hazard
Theory of Fire
For combustion to take place, Fuel, Heat and Oxygen are required. By removing any one of these factors the
fire will be extinguished. A FIRE ON BOARD IS AN EXTREME EMERGENCY. Fires are generally caused by
carelessness. Constant cabin surveillance and alertness for fire hazards is the best prevention. The best
method of fighting a fire differs somewhat depending on the class of fire that is encountered and the equipment
available with which to fight it. Once a fire has been discovered, it is imperative that the fire be fought immediately.
If fire produces excessive smoke and fumes inside the cabin, the flight attendant should STAY CALM and:
•
Watch for signs of panic and take additional action if necessary
•
Move passengers away from smoke or fumes (if possible)
•
If there is a lot of smoke in the cabin, use your PBE and have passengers/crewmembers breathe the air
approximately six inches from the cabin floor where the smoke and toxic fumes will be less dense.
9.28
Fire Classification
Class of Fire
Description
Extinguisher
CLASS A
Combustible materials
Paper, wood, fabric, certain plastics, etc., where dousing by water
is effective.
Type A: Water (H20)
Water saturates materials and
prevents rekindling.
CLASS B
Flammable Liquids
Gasoline, oils, greases, solvents,
paints and cooking fats, etc.,
where smothering action is
required.
Type B: Halon 1211, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Dry Chemical
CLASS C
Energized Electrical Equipment
Fires started by short-circuit or
faulty wiring in electrical equipment. Fires in motors, galley
equipment where non-conducting
extinguishers are required.
Type C: CO2, Halon 1211, Dry
Chemical
CLASS D
Flammable Metals
Magnesium, Zinc, Titanium
Type D: Purple K or other dry
powder specifically designed for
fighting metal fires