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How to choose the best type of fire extinguisher

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of fire extinguishers and category classifications

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In order to successfully extinguish a fire, you must use the correct extinguisher.

Photo by Greg Friese

The first fire extinguisher was patented by chemist Ambrose Godfrey in 1723. Since then, many types of extinguishers have been invented, altered and developed.

But one thing remains the same no matter the era — four elements must be present for a fire to exist. These elements include oxygen, heat, fuel and a chemical reaction. When you remove one of the four elements in the “fire triangle,” the fire can then be extinguished.

However, in order to successfully extinguish a fire, you must use the correct extinguisher.

The most common types of fire extinguishers used on different types of fire fuels are:


  1. Water fire extinguisher: Water fire extinguishers douse fires by taking away the heat element of the fire triangle. They’re used for Class A fires only.

  2. Dry chemical fire extinguisher: Dry chemical extinguishers extinguish the fire by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle. They’re most effective on Class A, B and C fires.

  3. CO2 fire extinguisher: Carbon dioxide extinguishers take away the oxygen element of the fire triangle. They also remove the heat with a cold discharge. They can be used on Class B and C fires.

And because all fires are fueled differently, there’s a variety of extinguishers based on the fire type. Some extinguishers can be used on more than one class of fire, while others warn against the use of specific class extinguishers.

Home Fire Extinguishers & Fire Suppression Blankets
Be prepared for a home fire with an extinguisher or fire blanket to put out small wood, paper, flammable liquids, grease and electrical fires.
Use to fight basic fires common to the home involving trash, wood, paper (Class A), flammable liquids and gases (Class B), and electrical equipment (Class C)
A must-have for your home, kitchen, and vehicle survival kit
Effective on grease, paper, fabric, wood and electrical fires.

Here’s a breakdown of fire extinguishers classified by type:

Fire extinguishers classified by type: What the fire extinguishers are used for:
Class A fire extinguisherThese extinguishers are used for fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, cloth, trash and plastics.
Class B fire extinguisherThese extinguishers are used for fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline and oil.
Class C fire extinguisherThese extinguishers are used for fires involving electrical equipment, such as motors, transformers and appliances.
Class D fire extinguisherThese extinguishers are used for fires involving combustible metals, such as potassium, sodium, aluminum and magnesium.
Class K fire extinguisherThese extinguishers are used for fires involving cooking oils and greases, such as animal and vegetable fats.

It’s important to remember that each fire requires a different extinguisher based on the circumstances.

And if you’re going to use an extinguisher, just remember PASS: pull the pin, aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, squeeze the operating level to discharge the extinguishing agent and sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side until the fire is out.

This article, originally published Jan. 3, 2017, has been updated with current information.

Sarah Calams, who previously served as associate editor of FireRescue1 and Fire Chief, is the senior editor of Police1.com and Corrections1.com. In addition to her regular editing duties, Sarah delves deep into the people and issues that make up the public safety industry to bring insights and lessons learned to first responders everywhere.

Sarah graduated with a bachelor’s degree in news/editorial journalism at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Have a story idea you’d like to discuss? Send Sarah an email or reach out on LinkedIn.