Types of Fire Extinguishers

Effective fire safety depends on having the appropriate fire fighting equipment for the type of fire, knowing where to place it and how to use it. For fire fighting purposes we have broken fires down into five classifications. These are listed below and range from freely burning materials like paper and wood to volatile liquids and gases.
More About Fire Extinguishers: Types | Limitations

  • Extinguisher Class
  • Type of fire
  • Common Combustibles
  • Flamable liquids and gasses
  • Live electrical equipment
  • Combustible Metals
  • Cooking Media
  • Example
  • Wood, paper, cloth, etc.
  • Gasoline, propane and solvents
  • Computers, fax machines
  • Magnesium, lithium, titanium
  • Cooking oils and fats

NOTE: Although ABC and BC Dry Chemical extinguishers can control a fire involving electronic equipment, the National Fire Code (NFPA 75-1999 edition), Section 6-3-2, specifically advises against dry-chemical extinguishers for fires involving computers or other delicate electronic equipment due to the potential damage from residues.