Types of Fire Extinguishers and How to Use Them

Last Updated on July 26, 2024 by Abdullah Meraz

Fire incidents can cause panic, which can make you unable to fight incipient fires. It is crucial to keep yourself calm in this situation. You must also be knowledgeable about the types of fire extinguishers and their proper use.

I am proud to be a member of an active firefighting team. I have practical experience for about 17 years, from purchasing up to installation and maintenance for different types of fire extinguishers, which I have included in-depth. That will influence you to be more informative.

To ensure good fire safety preparedness at your home or premises, it is important to understand the classification of fires and the appropriate types of fire extinguishers for each type of fire. When you face an emergency, you can panic. It is a prevalent thought. Here is the main game: If you have proper knowledge of fire science as well as the type of fire extinguishers and their practical use, you can turn the situation into your control and fight against fires at a small size.

I often encountered this situation during my service period, working day and night. Simply having knowledge or a fire safety training certificate is not enough to protect against fires. Regular refresher training and participation in drills are essential to enhancing one’s performance in emergencies.

Here’s an in-depth overview of the various classes of fires, the corresponding types of fire extinguishers, and their uses, which will help you, too.

Class A: Involves solid flammables such as wood, plastics, paper, cardboard, fabric, and textiles.

Class B: Involves flammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum oil, paint, and diesel.

Class C: Involves flammable gases such as propane, butane, or methane.

Class D: Involves combustible metals, including magnesium, lithium, sodium, potassium, titanium, or aluminum.

Electrical fires: Involve live equipment and electrical sources (informal Class E).

Class F: Basically involved with hot cooking oil and fat, maximum used in deep-fat fryers.

Water based Extinguisher

Standard Water Spray Extinguisher

These types of fire extinguishers are suitable for combating Class A fires involving solid materials like paper, wood, plastic, and textiles. Recognizable by its solid red color and labeling with the words “WATER” or “AQUA Spray,” this extinguisher dispenses water at high pressure to extinguish flames.

I bought only one water spray extinguisher and installed it near the storeroom exit in my house.

Usage Guidelines

Ideal use of this extinguisher for fires involving combustible materials like wood, paper, and textiles. It would help if you kept in mind that you do not use water extinguishers for fires involving electrical appliances, oil, and fat (kitchen) fires, or those caused by flammable gases and liquids; otherwise, it will be more harmful.

Because of their cooling capacity, water extinguishers smooth the burning fuel, reducing the rate of burning until the flames are extinguished. Some water extinguishers may contain chemical additives to enhance effectiveness by breaking the water’s surface tension, allowing it to penetrate burning materials more efficiently. So, should know any chemical components and their potential impact.

Standard Water Spray Extinguishers should be placed near exits on floors with Class A fire risks. Considering suitable locations include hospitals, warehouses, schools, offices including residential properties with combustible materials.

These extinguishers work tremendously in preventing fires and extinguishing efforts, protecting lives and assets. That improves the level of fire safety

DCP extinguishers are widely used in our RMG factories They are most suitable for combating various classes of fires, including Class A, B, and Class C fires. These extinguishers are also called ABC powder extinguishers. Compared to other extinguishers ABC stands out for its multipurpose application and effectiveness by holding a wide range of fire hazards.

ABC Powder Extinguisher

ABC powder extinguishers are typically labeled with ‘Powder’ in white text over a blue rectangle, with ‘ABC Powder’ written underneath. This distinctive labeling signifies their multi-class fire suppression capability. These extinguishers are formulated with monoammonium phosphate (MAP), a potent extinguishing agent that rapidly spreads and melts over flames. This thermal blast effectively cools the fire, preventing its continuation. Their non-conductive nature makes them suitable for tackling electrical fires as well.

Its versatility added a different dimension to ABC powder extinguishers, which are designed to combat Class A, B, and C fires. This makes them invaluable assets in various fire emergency situations.

While highly effective for most fire types, even with some warnings, ABC powder extinguishers should not be used on domestic chip or fat pan fires (Class F). Additionally, they pose a risk of inhalation in confined spaces, and contact with the powder may require immediate medical attention. Moreover, the residue left behind by these extinguishers can be challenging to clean up and may cause damage to soft furnishings, carpets, and electrical equipment.

Usage Guidelines

ABC powder-based extinguishers are suitable for extinguishing Class A, B, and C fires, making them versatile tools in fire emergency preparedness. Exercise caution when deploying ABC powder extinguishers, especially in confined places, to minimize the risk of inhalation and potential harm to pets or sensitive electronic equipment. After using ABC powder extinguishers, thorough cleanup procedures should be followed to remove the residue and mitigate any damage to property or furnishings.

ABC powder extinguishers offer a reliable and effective solution for multi-class fire suppression, providing essential protection against a wide range of fire hazards. However, I recommend following usage guidelines and exercising caution to ensure safe and effective firefighting operations.

Dry water MIST extinguisher represents a unique progression in fire extinguisher technology, offering effective suppression for various fire classes, also the challenging Class F fires associated with cooking oils and fats. As the uniqueness of this extinguisher you will see a specialized nozzle with this extinguisher, which converts water into ‘dry’ microscopic particles, creating a mist that swiftly penetrates and extinguishes flames.

You will wonder about their versatility and effective ability to combat a wide range of fire classes, including Class F fires, which involve cooking oils and fats. The diversification of fire emergencies brought by the MIST extinguishers for their versatilities made them valuable. Their excellent nozzle dispersed the water into tiny particles, preparing the mist to penetrate the fire quickly. This creates a cooling effect on the fire and the suffocation of flames, leading to smooth extinguishment.

A dry-water MIST extinguisher also makes a safeguard, creating a barrier between the user and the fires. It helps to prevent heat, which enhances user safety during the operation of firefighting.                                                                                                                                                   

It will relax you because of its residue-free extinguishing conduct. Unlike some extinguishers that may leave hard-to-clean residues, dry water MIST extinguishers minimize post-fire cleanup efforts and reduce potential damage to property.

Usage Guidelines

Dry water MIST extinguishers are suitable for combating various fire classes, including Class A, B, C, and F fires. However, they are not currently classified as ideal for Class B (liquid) and Class C (gas) fires, as noted by www.fireservice.co.uk.

While highly effective for most fire types, dry water MIST extinguishers may have limitations in specific fire scenarios. Users should be aware of these limitations and exercise caution when deploying the extinguisher.

It would help if you were cautious. Despite their versatility, these extinguishers are not recommended for Class B and C fires. Following manufacturer-recommended usage guidelines is the key to ensuring effective and safe firefighting operations. Users should adhere to them. These extinguishers are important in enhancing fire safety and protecting lives and property.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are perfect for fighting Class B and E fires. Their extinguishing method is different; it minimizes damage to equipment and surroundings. To ensure effective firefighting, their characteristics and methods should be understood accurately.

CO2 is a widely used fire extinguisher. You can easily identify CO2 fire extinguishers by their white texting Carbon Dioxide (CO2) on a black rectangular canister. They have a special horn-shaped hose that discharges CO2 gas onto the burning fuels as required.

The method of extinguishing is by displacing the oxygen element from the fire source and effectively smothering the fire. Besides, their extremely cold discharge drastically reduces heat, further aiding fire suppression.

For Class B and Class E fires, CO2 extinguishers are absolute because they contain non-conductive and non-corrosive agents, which reduces equipment damage. Basically, CO2 extinguishers are placed in the electrical switch room, machinery workshops, data/server rooms, and offices near power sources.

At Radisson Apparels Ltd., we installed carbon dioxide extinguishers near all electrical distribution (DB) boards, utility areas, electrical substation rooms, and other areas as per the NFPA standard.

Usage Guidelines

CO2 extinguishers should not be used on hot cooking oil and fats (Class F fires), as the forceful jet of the hose can spread the fire and potentially cause injury. During operation, avoid touching the horn, base, or pipework of the CO2 extinguisher, as the extreme cold generated during discharge can cause frostbite or damage to the skin.

Users must be careful to prevent asphyxiation when fighting in confined spaces, such as enclosed rooms or compartments, as they work by displacing oxygen.

CO2 extinguishers emit a loud noise during operation, which can be startling. Users should be cautious and prepared for this auditory effect.

Their versatile fire suppression capabilities, particularly for Class B and E fires, enhanced acceptance of wide use. On the other hand, users must carefully follow usage guidelines and exercise caution to ensure effective firefighting operations. If you understand their characteristics and limitations, CO2 fire extinguishers can be a valuable asset in terms of fire emergency preparedness and response.

Foam fire extinguishers have many sides of use to combat Class A (Solid materials) and Class B (flammable liquids) fires.  They work effectively in the suppression, making a barrier between flames and fuels. If you understand their nature of work and proper usage, they can be a great tool in firefighting.

We use foam fire extinguishers in places where fuels and chemicals are used and stored, such as generator rooms and main and sub-storage chemicals, as per NFPA standards.

Foam fire extinguishers are easily identifiable by the text ‘FOAM’ printed on a cream-colored rectangle on their bodies.                                                                                                                                       

The extinguishing agents of foam fire extinguishers are water-based by combining of foaming additives. Foam extinguishers contribute to suppressing the fire by forming a blanket over the burning materials, creaking a barrier that smooths the fire by blocking oxygen from the fire source.

They are workable for Class A fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper, and textiles and Class B fires like gasoline and oils.

Usage Guidelines

For Class A fires, users can point the foam directly onto the burning material. Nevertheless, it could cause spreading fires if you spray foaming agents directly onto the fire point for Class B fires. Instead, spray the foam nearby, allowing it to build up and flow across the surface of the flammable liquid, effectively extinguishing the fire.

Foam fire extinguishers are not recommended for Class F fires involving cooking oil and fat pan fires, as the water-based content of the foam can spread the fires and potentially cause injury. They are not allowed to be used for electrical fires or fires involving flammable gases.

You must be careful when using foam extinguishers for fires involving electrical equipment or live electrical sources. The foam’s water content can conduct electricity and pose a risk of electrical shock.

Do you want to keep your kitchen safe from fires?

If you want, therefore, a wet chemical fire extinguisher should be installed near your kitchen area.

For Class F fires Wet chemical fire extinguishers are designed to combat which involves fats and cooking oils, commonly found in commercial and residential kitchens. They have been vital tools for fire safety in the kitchen area, but important is a clear understanding of their characteristics and proper usage are crucial for effective firefighting.

You can quickly identify them by the words’ Wet Chemical’ printed across a yellow rectangle on the canister. The main purpose of designing wet chemical fire extinguishers is to tackle fires involving fats and cooking oil, such as those from deep-fat fryers and kitchen stoves.

These extinguishers contain potassium solution that suffocates fires and builds a barrier between fires and fuel elements that also prevent re-ignition.

Usage Guidelines

The extended hose of the wet chemical extinguisher made the tools effective and easy to apply. Users can point and discharge the extinguishing agent directly onto the source of the fire. They are particularly effective for fires on kitchen tops and in cooking areas.

While wet chemical extinguishers are highly effective for Class F fires, they are not recommended for use on Class B fires involving flammable liquids. Although they have some ability to combat Class A fires, they may not be as effective as other extinguishers explicitly designed for Class A fires.

If a wet chemical comes into contact with your skin, immediately rinse it off with water and seek medical attention if any symptoms persist. Must follow the manufacturer guidelines in the disposal. These chemicals are considered hazardous waste materials, and it is highly recommended not to dispose of them in regular drains or household bins. You must remember that kitchen fires are more dangerous; controlling them if they spread is very tough. Wet chemical fire extinguishers are critical in kitchen fire safety, providing specialized defense against fires involving cooking oils and fats. By adhering to proper usage guidelines and understanding their limitations, wet chemical extinguishers can help prevent kitchen fires from escalating and protect lives and property.

In the end, to ensure effective fire safety in your home, it is crucial to select the correct types of fire extinguishers, considering the fire class analyzing home fuels. The capabilities and limitations of each type of fire extinguisher should be considered in risk assessment, which will impact effectively mitigating fire risks. Adhering to guidelines and cautionary warnings, fire extinguishers can serve as invaluable tools in combating small fires and protecting lives and property.