Originally published in July 2020, updated in March 2025
Do you know how many different fire classes there are? Would you be confident in stating which fire extinguisher you need to use for each type of fire? If the answer to either or both of those questions is no, then this is the guide for you.
In approximately 80% of all fire incidents, a simple portable fire extinguisher is all that is needed to put out the fire. Studies have also shown that 60% of fires go unreported. This means that the fire is not severe and can be handled easily with a fire extinguisher without the need of the fire and rescue service.
However, before you attempt to tackle any type of fire - no matter how large or small - it is important to know what type of fire extinguisher will put out which type of fire.
Fires are identified using a classification system, meaning they are separated into different classes depending on the fuel of the fire involved. This makes it easier to know which fire extinguishers will be needed.
Fire Classes
The types of fire extinguishers needed in any premises will depend on the nature of the risks and the types of fire that are likely to occur. Fires are categorised into six distinct fire classes:
Class A Fires
Class A fires involve carbon-based materials such as wood, paper, or textiles
Class B Fires
Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, oils etc.
Class C Fires
Class C fires are fires involving gases
Class D Fires
Class D fires involve flammable metals
Electrical (often referred to as Class E) Fires
Electrical fires are fires involving electrical equipment
Class F Fires
Class F fires involve cooking oils and fats
Types of fire extinguishers
As with the classes of fires, extinguishers also have their own categories and these are determined by the content of each fire extinguisher and the type(s) of fires that they are suitable for use on. In total there are six main types of fire extinguishers:
Water Fire Extinguishers
These also include water mist extinguishers, but water and water mist have different uses. A standard water extinguisher is suitable for use on class A fires, while water mist extinguishers can be used on class F fires and some electrical fires, too.
Foam Fire Extinguishers
Foam extinguishers can be used to suppress class A, B and - in some cases - class F fires.
Dry Powder (ABC rated) Fire Extinguishers
As the ABC reference might suggest, powder extinguisher can be used on class A, B and C fires, but they can also be used to fight electrical (class E) fires.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguishers
A CO2 extinguisher can be used to suppress class B and electrical fires.
Lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers
The newest addition to the range of fire extinguishers available, Lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers - as the name suggests - are used to tackle the very dangerous and very unique Lithium-ion battery fires. Often referred to as Lith-Ex extinguishers, these tackle a growing number of fires including smartphones, laptops and electrical vehicles. They can also be used to suppress class A fires.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Last but by no means least, wet chemical extinguishers are used to tackle class F fires only.
How to choose the correct Fire Extinguisher
While this guide gives a brief summary of how to choose the right fire extinguisher for each of the fire classes, this handy chart is also a useful resource that you could print out and display in your home, shed, garage or workplace to refer to if there is any doubt whatsoever as to which fire extinguisher to use on a certain type of fire.
It is recommended that you should keep a fire extinguisher in each floor of the building, keeping at least one fire extinguisher in a central location on each floor of your home so you have it available in case of an emergency. This could be in the garage, laundry room, bedrooms, patio, and other areas you think would be useful. On business premises, the number and type of extinguishers will be determined by the person carrying out the Fire Risk Assessment.
Points to note before tackling a fire:
- Do not attempt to use an extinguisher on a fire unless you feel it is safe for you to do so
- Position the extinguisher where you can get to it quickly, e.g. the hall
- Buy extinguishers that you can easily carry
- Do not position extinguishers over a heater or fire, but do fix them to the wall, so they are out of reach of children but still easily accessed
- Read the instructions and be familiar with how to use your extinguishers. Do not leave it until you have a fire
- If you require the extinguishers for a business (including letting premises) you must have them serviced once a year
- If you are using a fire extinguisher to fight a fire, keep yourself on the escape route side of the fire
Here at Firechief, we want you to feel safe. Our mission is to work hard every day to protect lives and property from fire by providing a range of fire safety products that can be trusted to perform when the heat is on.
The Firechief® range includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium-ion fire extinguishers and the Kitchen Stove Guard. For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.
Disclaimer
The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader's risk.