A class "C" fire involves combustion in which type of material?

Class "C" fires are specifically associated with live electrical equipment. This classification is critical because these types of fires involve electrical components that can pose additional hazards beyond those found in standard combustion scenarios. When dealing with a Class "C" fire, it is essential to remember that using water as an extinguishing method can be extremely dangerous; water is a conductor of electricity and can lead to electrocution. Instead, specialized fire extinguishers, such as those using carbon dioxide or dry chemical agents, are appropriate for safely extinguishing fires originating from electrical sources.

The other classifications pertain to different materials and their respective fire risks: flammable liquids fall under Class "B," ordinary combustibles like wood and paper are in Class "A," and metal fires are categorized separately and often involve unique extinguishing methods due to the reactivity of certain metals. Thus, understanding the designation of Class "C" is crucial for safely managing fires that involve live electrical equipment.