Virtually all fires are small at first and might easily be contained if the correct type of extinguisher is handy and properly used. Fire Extinguishers are the first line of defense against unfriendly fires and should be installed in all homes and businesses. Selecting the correct extinguisher is important both to insure suitability for the expected type of fires and to reduce damage to valuables from extinguishing agents. Using the wrong type of extinguisher can needlessly ruin your $5,000 computer which gets blasted with over spray from a small fire in your office.

            and most plastics.

Class B: Flammable liquids and gases such as gasoline, oils,

            paint, lacquers and greases.

Class C: Energized electrical equipment where

            nonconductivity of the extinguishing agent is

            important.

Class D: Combustible metals such as magnesium or

            titanium (highly specialized, will not be covered

            here).

Extinguishers also have a numerical rating which serves as a guide to the amount of fire the extinguisher will handle. The minimum rating for a Class A extinguisher on light hazards is 2A. For Class B or C hazards a rating of 10 is the minimum size recommended. Extinguishers which can handle several types of fires have a combined rating such as 2A:10B:.C

EXTINGUISHING AGENTS: There are five common groups of extinguishing agents. Choose one which will handle the correct class of fire while keeping damage at a minimum.

DRY CHEMICAL, standard type: Useful on Class B and C fires. Leaves a mildly corrosive residue which must be cleaned up immediately to prevent damage to electrical equipment. Best uses are automotive, grease fires and flammable liquids.

DRY CHEMICAL, multipurpose type: Useful for Class A, B and C fires. Very handy for all types of fires. Highly corrosive and leaves a sticky residue. Not for use around delicate electrical appliances or computers.

HALAGENATED AGENT: Useful on Class A, B and C fires depending on agent used, check label. Expensive but very versatile and clean. Leaves no residue. Mildly toxic. Excellent for delicate computers and electrical equipment. Also good for flammable liquids and automotive use.

CARBON DIOXIDE: Useful on Class B and C fires. Very clean, no residue. Short range, must be applied close to fire.

WATER BASE AGENT: Use on Class A fires only. Inexpensive to refill and maintain.

These are the most common extinguishers in use. Base your selection on the size and classification needed plus compatibility with what you are trying to protect. It is also necessary to familiarize yourself with the location, use and limitations of your fire extinguishers. Extinguishers which are required by the Fire Code must be maintained each year and serviced every five years.

If an extinguisher is used, don’t forget that you still need to call the Fire Department and evacuate the area, do not put yourself in a dangerous situation.

ALSO: Do not forget to call us if you have used a fire extinguisher so we can refill it and put it back in working order.