Heritage Day is a time to honour South Africa and celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, languages and histories that make our country unique.
For many South Africans, the celebration includes gathering around a braai. Whether you consider yourself a braai master or simply arrive when the food is ready, fire is part of the occasion—and a risk that deserves respect.
Fire and explosions remain a significant cause of business interruption and property damage. Recent Allianz claims analysis found that fire accounted for more than a third of the total value of business-interruption claims examined.
Just as our country is home to many different cultures, fires also come in different classes. Each class is based on the material or substance fuelling the fire, and the classification determines which extinguisher should be used.
| Class | Type of fuel | Appropriate extinguisher |
| Class A | Ordinary combustible materials, including wood, paper, cloth and most plastics | Water or dry chemical-powder extinguisher |
| Class B | Flammable liquids and gases, including petrol, oil, propane and alcohol | Foam or dry chemical powder extinguisher |
| Class C | Energised electrical equipment, including wiring, appliances and electrical panels | CO₂ extinguisher; Dry chemical powder may also be suitable |
| Class D | Combustible metals, including magnesium, sodium and potassium | Specialist Class D extinguisher |
| Class F | Cooking oils, fats and grease | Wet-chemical extinguisher |
Never use water on burning oil, flammable liquids, live electrical equipment or combustible metals. The wrong extinguisher can spread a fire or expose the user to serious injury.
What about lithium-ion battery fires?
Lithium-ion battery fires do not currently have a separate fire classification. These incidents present particular challenges because damaged batteries can enter thermal runaway, release toxic gases and reignite after appearing to be extinguished.
Specialist products, including extinguishers designed for lithium-ion battery fires, may help control a small, early-stage incident. Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions and your organisation’s emergency procedures. If the battery is smoking, swelling, making unusual noises or the fire is spreading, evacuate the area and contact emergency services. A laptop is replaceable; eyebrows are technically replaceable too, but prevention is much easier.
Additional private firefighting services
In December 2025, the Gauteng Division of the High Court confirmed that Fidelity SecureFire could lawfully provide private firefighting services nationally to clients under contract. The judgment clarified that this operating model is not prohibited by the Fire Brigade Services Act.
Private fire-response services have become increasingly visible and may be included in certain insurance policies or contracted separately by individuals, residential complexes and businesses. These services provide an additional layer of protection and do not replace the need to contact municipal emergency services or maintain compliant fire-safety equipment.
Prevention is always better than cure. However, when action is necessary, make sure you have the correct equipment, know how to use it and never place yourself at unnecessary risk.
This Heritage Day, enjoy the celebration, respect the flame and keep safety firmly on the menu.
February 03, 2026 
