More Information
Learn about all fire types
- Class A: These are traditional combustibles (Cloth, Plastic, Trash, Paper, Wood). Use Water & Foam extinguishers on these fires. Other extinguishers that are ok to use include: Dry Chemical, Wet Chemical, Clean Agent, and Water Mist.
- Class B: These are flammable liquids & gases (Paint, Gasoline, Petroleum Oil, Propane, Butane). Fight them with these extinguishers: Carbon Dioxide, Dry Chemical, and Clean Agent.
- Class C: These are fires with energized electrical equipment (Appliances, Motors, Transformers). Fight them with these extinguishers: Carbon Dioxide, Dry Chemical, Clean Agent, and Water Mist. If you remove the power source then it is no longer a Class C fire.
- Class D: These are fires with combustible metals (Aluminum, Potassium, Sodium, and Magnesium). There is only one kind of fire extinguisher to use on these: Dry Powder.
- Class K: These are fires involving cooking oils and greases (animal fats and vegetable fats). Fight these fires with Wet Chemical extinguishers.
Always check the details on the extinguisher when you are shopping so that you know which type of fire it will extinguish.
When you see a fire: Activate the building’s alarm system, or contact 911 either you or someone else, assist anyone that is in danger, without risking your own life, and attempt to extinguish the fire if you can do it safely. .
Don’t fight the fire if: The fire is large and out of control, there is toxic smoke surrounding you, or your escape route is dwindling.
Have a safety tip?
“Always check the details on the extinguisher when you are shopping so that you know which type of fire it will extinguish.”