When a fire breaks out, every second matters. But did you know that using the wrong fire extinguisher can actually make the situation worse? Fire extinguishers are not one-size-fits-all. Each type is designed for specific classes of fire, and understanding their purpose is essential for effective and safe fire response.
In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of fire extinguishers and help you understand which one to use in various fire scenarios.
Understanding fire classes:
Fires are categorized into different classes based on the type of fuel:
- Class A – Ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, cloth, trash
- Class B – Flammable liquids like petrol, oil, paint, solvents
- Class C – Electrical fires involving live equipment
- Class D – Combustible metals like magnesium, aluminium, sodium
- Class K (or F) – Cooking oils and fats (mainly in kitchens)
Types of fire extinguishers and their applications
1. Water-based extinguishers (APW – Air Pressurised Water)
- Best for: Class A fires only
- Do NOT use on: Class B (liquid), C (electrical), or D fires
- Typical use: Offices, schools, warehouses with wood, paper, fabric
- Simple and effective for everyday combustibles, but dangerous if used on live wires or flammable liquids.
2. Foam fire extinguishers (AFFF – Aqueous Film Forming Foam)
- Best for: Class A and B fires
- Not for: Class C (unless designed as non-conductive), D, or K
- Typical use: Petrol stations, garages, warehouses
- Foam smothers the fire and forms a cooling barrier to prevent reignition.
3. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) extinguishers
- Best for: Class B and C fires
- Not effective on: Class A or D fires
- Typical use: Server rooms, electrical panels, labs
- Leaves no residue and is non-conductive—ideal for electronics and sensitive equipment.
4. Dry chemical powder (ABC Powder) extinguishers
- Best for: Class A, B, and C fires
- Not suitable for: Confined spaces (may reduce visibility or irritate respiratory systems)
- Typical use: Industrial plants, workshops, fuel storage
- Most versatile and widely used extinguisher—great for mixed-risk environments.
5. Class D powder extinguishers
- Best for: Class D fires (metal fires)
- Not effective on: Other fire classes
- Typical use: Factories working with metals like titanium, lithium, sodium
- Specialized powder reacts to smother and isolate the fire source in burning metals.
6. Wet chemical extinguishers
- Best for: Class K (F) fires – Cooking oils and fats
- Secondary use: Can be effective on Class A
- Typical use: Commercial kitchens, hotels, food processing units
- Creates a chemical reaction that cools and saponifies the hot oil, preventing re-ignition.
Quick fire extinguisher selection table
|
Fire Type
|
A
|
B
|
C
|
D
|
K
|
|
Water
|
✅
|
❌
|
❌
|
❌
|
❌
|
|
Foam
|
✅
|
✅
|
⚠️
|
❌
|
❌
|
|
CO₂
|
❌
|
✅
|
✅
|
❌
|
❌
|
|
Dry Powder
|
✅
|
✅
|
✅
|
⚠️
|
❌
|
|
Class D
|
❌
|
❌
|
❌
|
✅
|
❌
|
|
Wet Chem.
|
✅
|
❌
|
❌
|
❌
|
✅
|
🧠 Important safety tips
- Never use a water extinguisher on electrical fires.
- Always aim at the base of the fire, not the flames.
- Regularly inspect and maintain extinguishers (at least once in a Quarter).
- Train employees on how to operate extinguishers (use the PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
Action step: Take a walk through your facility today. Are your extinguishers suitable for the fire risks in each area? If not, it’s time to reassess.
Conclusion:
Fire emergencies demand quick thinking but also the right tools. Understanding the types of fire extinguishers and their specific uses is not just a safety requirement, it’s a life-saving skill. Fire safety starts with awareness. So take that walk through your facility today because preparedness is the first step toward protection.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure / policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.