Types of Fires and Fire Extinguishers

TYPES OF FIRE:

Understanding the different types of fires and extinguishers is essential for safe and effective fire response. Fires are categorised by their fuel sources—such as wood, electrical, or flammable liquids. Using the wrong extinguisher can be ineffective and sometimes create a greater threat.

Understanding the types of fire you are faced with and which extinguisher to use, can help to control a fire quicker and minimise risk of damage or injury.

Firstly, outlined below are the different types of Fire Classification:

CLASS A

Solid combustible materials i.e. Paper, Wood, Textiles.

CLASS B

lammable Liquids i.e. Petrol, Diesel, Oil.

CLASS C

lammable Gases i.e. Natural Gas, Propane.

CLASS D

ombustible Metals i.e. Sodium, Potassium, Lithium.

CLASS F

Cooking Oils/Fats i.e. Deep Fat Fryers.

ELECTRICAL

Electrical Fires i.e. Short-circuiting Equipment.

To respond appropriately to the type of fire you are confronted with, you need to be able to identify the different type of fire extinguisher. All our Fire Extinguishers are fitted with clear identification signs and instructions for ease of use.

Below is a simple guide of our Firefighting Equipment to help you select the correct equipment based on your environment

TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER:

TYPE	USE	FUNCTION	LOCATION
CO2	Electrical Fires and Flammable Liquids	Displaces oxygen	Harmless to electrical equipment. Found in common areas such as offices. Gas does not contaminate food. Often found in kitchens. Often found with Foam Extinguishers/Water Mist
POWDER	Solid Combustibles, Flammable Liquids and Gases	Smothers flames by cutting off oxygen	Extinguishes most fire types. Widely recommend for domestic use. Leaves residue and can damages electrical equipment, therefore it is not suitable for all areas.
FOAM	Class A & B	Cools and seals to prevent re-ignition	Extinguishes most fire types. Widely recommend for domestic use. Leaves residue and can damages electrical equipment, therefore it is not suitable for all areas. Main type of unit used in office areas and hotel corridors. Not conductors of electricity if accidently sprayed on an electrical appliance. Commonly found with Carbon Dioxide (Co2) Extinguishers.
WATER MIST	Class A	Disperses fine mist to cool the fire	Due to new regulations from the EPA, Water Mist Extinguishers will replace Foam Extinguishers. Safe use on Live Electrical Equipment up to 1000v at 1M.
WET CHEMICAL	Class A & F	Forms a soppy layer to seal oxygen	Specifically for fires involving cooking oils and fats, therefore found in Kitchens. Produces a gentle but effective spray to prevent oil backsplash on user.
FIRE BLANKET	Small Fires/Person	Cuts off oxygen supply quickly	Found in a variety of settings including homes, kitchens, schools, offices, caravans.

At Champion Fire, our client’s safety and protection are our number one priority. We educate our clients on the risks associated with fire and impart the skills and knowledge needed to respond in a fire related emergency. If you would like to learn more about protecting your home or workplace, please contact a member of our team on (021) 484 0022.