Fire Extinguishers - What's your Type?

5/5/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows that fire extinguishers help save lives.

Fire extinguishers – What’s your type?

 There are 5 types of fire extinguishers rated for different types of fires. Knowing the ratings of the extinguishers could be the difference between life and death when it comes to a home fire. There are 5 classes; A, B, C, D and K.

  A Class A extinguisher is a water or water mist spray. Best used for carbon materials such as wood, textiles or paper. The label on a class A extinguisher will be a triangle with an ‘A’ inside and if color coded, will be green.

 A Class B extinguisher sprays a film forming foam that aids in keeping a fire from reigniting. This line of defense is recommended for flammable liquids such as oil, oil-based paints, tar, etc. The label on a class B extinguisher will be square with the letter ‘B’ inside and if color coded, it will be red.

A Class C extinguisher is a carbon dioxide spray that is used to extinguish a live electrical fire. These extinguishers will smother the fire without the danger of electrical shock. The label on a class C extinguisher will be a circle with a ‘C’ inside and if color coded, it will be blue.

A Class D extinguisher is a dry powder spray and is specific to the combustible metal that is being dealt with. The label on a class D extinguisher will be a five-point star with a ‘D’ inside and if color coded, it will be yellow.

A Class K extinguisher is specific to kitchen fires, extinguishing cooking oil, animal oil and high temperature fats. The label on a class K extinguisher will be a hexagon with a ‘K’ inside and if color coded, it will be black.

Knowing the types of fire extinguishers that should be used on specific types of fires can be a life saver. But, if you experience a fire disaster in your home or commercial property, SERVPRO Duncanville/Desoto is always ready to help. We are available 24/7 to respond to your emergency and help you get back to ‘Like it Never Happened’.