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1. What type of fire extinguisher is needed?

Types of Extinguishers

Different types of fires require different types of extinguishers. For example, a grease fire and an electrical fire require the use of different extinguishing agents to be effective and safely put the fire out.

Basically, there are five different types of extinguishing agents. Most fire extinguishers display symbols to show the kind of fire on which they are to be used.

Type of Extinguisher	Description	Usage
Class A	Class A extinguishers put out fires in ordinary combustible materials such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and many plastics.	Ordinary Combustibles
Class B	Class B extinguishers are used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, and oil-based paints.	Flammable Liquids
Class C	Class C extinguishers are suitable for use on fires involving appliances, tools, or other equipment that is electrically energized or plugged in.	Electrical Equipment
Class D	Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question. These are typically found only in factories working with these metals.	Combustible Metals
Class K	Class K fire extinguishers are intended for use on fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. These extinguishers are generally found in commercial kitchens, such as those found in restaurants, cafeterias, and caterers. Class K extinguishers are now finding their way into the residential market for use in kitchens.	Combustible Cooking

Multi-Purpose Extinguishers

There are also multi-purpose fire extinguishers - such as those labeled "B-C" or "A-B-C" - that can be used on two or more types of fires.

2. Is the fire at a point where it might still be controlled by a fire extinguisher?

Portable fire extinguishers are valuable for immediate use on small fires. They contain a limited amount of extinguishing material and need to be properly used so that this material is not wasted. For example, when a pan initially catches fire, it may be safe to turn off the burner, place a lid on the pan, and use an extinguisher. By the time the fire has spread, however, these actions will not be adequate. Only trained firefighters can safely extinguish such fires. Use a fire extinguisher only if:

• The fire is small and contained to a single object, such as a wastebasket
• You are safe from the toxic smoke produced by the fire
• You have alerted other occupants and someone has called the fire department
• You have a means of escape identified and the fire is not between you and the escape route
• Your instincts tell you that it is safe to use an extinguisher

If all of these conditions are not present, you should not try to use a fire extinguisher. Alert other occupants, leave the building following your home escape plan, go to the agreed upon meeting place, and call the fire department from a cell phone or a neighbor's home.

3. Am I physically capable of using the extinguisher?

Some people have physical limitations that might diminish or eliminate their ability to properly use a fire extinguisher. People with disabilities, older adults, or children may find that an extinguisher is too heavy to handle or it may be too difficult for them to exert the necessary pressure to operate the extinguisher.