Fire Extinguisher Facts

Did you know there are EIGHT different types of fire extinguishers? And when do you use them?

In order to know when to use each fire extinguisher, you should know the five different types of fires.

Class A– Fire started with wood, paper, cloth

Class B– Fire started with combustible liquids such as gasoline & paints

Class C– Electrical fires

Class D– Fire started by flammable metals such as sodium or potassium

Class K– Kitchen fires

Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Water & Foam – Take away the heat element. Foam extinguishers will separate the oxygen from the other elements. Used for Class A fires only.
• Carbon Dioxide— Take away the oxygen element & remove the heat with cold discharge. Used for Class B & C fires.
• Dry Chemical—Interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire. Used for Class A, B & C fires.
• Wet Chemical—removes heat from the fire & creates a barrier between the oxygen & fuel elements. Used for Class K fires.
• Clean Agent—the extinguish the fire by interrupting the chemical reaction or remove heat from the fire.. Used for Class A, B & C fires.
• Dry Powder—Similar to Dry Chemical, Dry Powder extinguishers separate the fuel from the oxygen. For Class D fires only.
• Water Mist—Take the heat element away from the fire. Used for Class A fires.
• Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical— Primarily interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire. Class A, B & C fires

Please remember that fire extinguishers have limitations– the most important thing is to make sure everyone gets out safely and you call 911.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Remember the phrase PASS:

Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher which will break the seal

Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire

Squeeze the handle slowly

Sweep the nozzle from side to side