Which Fire Extinguisher should I use?

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

Do you know how to put this fire out?

Know your fire types so that you can be prepared.

Not all fires are the same and that means not all fires are handled the same. For example, you would never want to throw water onto a grease fire. Learning about fire, can save your life.

Let's take a look at the different types of fires and their classification.

Fire Classes:

Class A: Ordinary Combustibles

• Wood
• Paper
• Cloth
• Trash
• Other ordinary materials

Class B: Flammable Liquids

• Gasoline
• Paints
• Oils
• Grease
• Other flammable Liquids

Class C: Electrical Equipment

• Wiring
• Fuse Box

Class D: Combustible Metals

• Combustible metal and metal alloys such as Aluminum and Magnesium.

Class K: Combustible Cooking

• Cooking Vessels
• Vegetable oils
• Animal Fats
• kitchen fires

Now that we have learned about the different types and classifications of fire, Let's find out which extinguisher is appropriate for each fire type.

There are a few different types of fire extinguishers available and each serves it's own purpose.

Types of extinguishers:

Water: This extinguisher is for use on Class A fires.

This type is used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel fires. 

Foam: This extinguisher is for use on Class A and B fires.

• This type can be used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel fires. This type is used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel fires.

Powder: This extinguisher is for use on Class A,B,C,D and Electrical.

• This type is used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel fires.
• This type can also be used on flammable liquids, Flammable Metals, Flammable Gases and Electrical.

CO2:This extinguisher is for use on Class B and Electrical fires.

• This type is used on Flammable Liquids and Electrical fires.

Wet Chemical: This extinguisher is for use on Class A and K fires.

• This type is used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel fires 
• Cooking Oil fires such as a deep fat fryer.

Fires spread quick and can be deadly!

Knowing what type of fire extinguisher to use and having it readily available can make all the difference in the world.

If you have any questions about fire remediation or just want to learn more about fire prevention; give us a call at 603-298-6942 or visit our website for blogs and more.