How can Class C fires be safely extinguished?

Class C fires involve electrical equipment or energized electrical circuits. The key to safely extinguishing such fires is to first ensure that the electrical circuits are de-energized, which eliminates the risk of electric shock to the person attempting to extinguish the fire. Once the power source has been turned off, the fire can be approached safely, allowing for the use of appropriate extinguishing methods without the danger posed by live electrical current.

Using water on Class C fires is not safe because water is a conductor and can lead to electric shock or further spread the fire. Similarly, Class A agents are designed for ordinary combustibles such as wood or paper and may not be effective or safe for electrical fires. Foam can be useful for certain types of fires, but without de-energizing the electrical source, there remains a significant risk when applying it to a Class C fire. Therefore, the correct approach is to first de-energize the circuit before attempting to extinguish the fire.