How should CO2 be directed when fighting a Class C fire?

When fighting a Class C fire, which involves electrical equipment, it is crucial to aim at the base of the flames. Targeting the base is effective because this is where the fuel for the fire is located, and extinguishing the flames at this point directly interrupts the combustion process. Class C fires can involve energized electrical components, so using CO2, which is an effective extinguishing agent for removing oxygen and cooling the flames, must also be carefully directed to avoid introducing any additional hazards associated with electrical fires.

By directing CO2 at the base, you're ensuring you're tackling the source of the fire, leading to a more effective suppression effort. Techniques that involve directing the extinguishing agent elsewhere—like at the top of the flames or in the surrounding air—are less effective because they do not address the fire's fuel source directly. Moving in circular motions can also potentially disperse CO2 without maintaining a focused attack on the flames, making it less effective as a firefighting technique in this scenario.