Fire safety is something we often take for granted—until we need it. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or out in public, knowing how to use a fire extinguisher—and more importantly, knowing which type to use—can make all the difference in an emergency.
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all fire extinguisher. Different types are designed to tackle different kinds of fires. Using the wrong one can be ineffective—or even dangerous. In this guide, we’ll break down the main types of fire extinguishers and their ideal uses.
Fire Classes: What Are You Fighting?
Before diving into extinguisher types, it helps to understand fire classes:
- Class A – Fires involving ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, cloth, and trash.
- Class B – Fires fueled by flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and paint.
- Class C – Fires involving energized electrical equipment like appliances or wiring.
- Class D – Fires involving combustible metals like magnesium or titanium (common in labs or industrial settings).
- Class K – Fires involving cooking oils and fats, typically found in commercial kitchens.
Common Fire Extinguisher Types and Their Uses
1. Water (Class A Only)
- Label: Often marked as “Water” or “A”
- Use For: Paper, wood, cloth, and other common combustibles
- Do NOT Use For: Electrical fires or flammable liquids—it can spread or worsen the fire
- Ideal For: Homes, offices, schools
2. Foam (Class A and B)
- Label: Usually “A/B”
- Use For: Flammable liquids and solids
- Works By: Smothering the fire to prevent reignition
- Do NOT Use For: Electrical fires unless specified as safe
- Ideal For: Garages, warehouses, fuel storage areas
3. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) (Class B and C)
- Label: “B/C”
- Use For: Electrical fires and flammable liquids
- Works By: Displacing oxygen and cooling the fire
- Do NOT Use For: Fires involving combustible solids like paper or wood
- Ideal For: Server rooms, kitchens, laboratories
4. Dry Chemical (ABC Powder)
- Label: “A/B/C”
- Use For: A broad range—solids, liquids, and electrical equipment
- Works By: Interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire
- Most Common Type used in homes and businesses
- Downside: Leaves a corrosive residue that can damage electronics
- Ideal For: General purpose—homes, offices, vehicles
5. Wet Chemical (Class K and A)
- Label: “K” (sometimes also “A”)
- Use For: Cooking oils and fats, particularly in deep fryers
- Works By: Cooling and forming a soapy layer that prevents re-ignition
- Do NOT Use For: Flammable liquids or electrical fires
- Ideal For: Commercial kitchens, restaurants
6. Class D Extinguishers (Metal Fires)
- Use For: Fires involving combustible metals (magnesium, potassium, etc.)
- Usually specialized and color-coded yellow
- Ideal For: Laboratories, factories, industrial sites
