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How many classes of fire extinguishers are there?

Learn about different classes of fire and the types of extinguishers used in the fire service

By FireRescue1 Staff

Class of
Fire
Fire ID
Symbol
Extinguisher ID
Symbol

A

Class A fire description: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, trash, and plastics.
Extinguisher type: Water, dry powder, and/or halon

Class of
Fire
Fire ID
Symbol
Extinguisher ID
Symbol

B

Class B fire description: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum oil, and paint. Class B also includes flammable gases like propane and butane.
Extinguisher type: CO2, dry powder, and/or halon.

Class of
Fire
Fire ID
Symbol
Extinguisher ID
Symbol

C

Class C fire description: Energized electrical equipment such as motors, transformers, and appliances.
Extinguisher type: CO2, dry powder, and/or halon

Class of
Fire
Fire ID
Symbol
Extinguisher ID
Symbol

D

Class D fire description: Combustible metals such as potassium, sodium, aluminum magnesium.
Extinguisher type: Dry powder

Class of
Fire
Fire ID
Symbol
Extinguisher ID
Symbol

K

Class K fire description: Cooking oils and greases such as animal fats and vegetable fats.
Extinguisher type: Wet chemical

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