In the Philippines March is declared as fire Prevention month, this is because according to the data of Bureau of Fire Protection this month has the highest incident of fire in all over the Philippines and this can be attributed to summer season which is hot and dry. 

Fire extinguishers are one of the most important safety tools for homes, offices, kitchens, and industrial spaces. But not all extinguishers work the same way. Using the wrong type on a fire can make the situation worse  especially with electrical fires or flammable liquids.

Here at Shoppiverse PH, we created this article to explains the different types of fire extinguishers, what they are used for, and how to choose the right one for your environment.

Fire Extinguisher Types by Fire Class

Fire extinguishers are classified based on the kind of fire they are designed to put out.

Class A - Ordinary Combustibles

Class A extinguishers are used for common materials such as: Wood , Paper, Cloth, Plastics. These fires are usually found in homes, schools, and offices.

Common extinguisher types:

• Water extinguishers

• Foam extinguishers

• Dry chemical extinguishers

These extinguishers work mainly by cooling the burning material and stopping the fire from spreading.

Class B - Flammable Liquids and Gases

Class B fires involve highly flammable substances such as: Gasoline, Oil, Paint, Propane. These fires require extinguishers that can smother the flames and prevent ignition.

Recommended extinguisher types:

• CO₂ extinguishers

• Foam extinguishers

• Dry chemical extinguishers

Important:   Water should never be used on flammable liquid fires because it can spread the burning fuel.

Class C - Electrical Equipment

Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment such as: Wiring, Circuit breakers, Appliances, Computers, Electrical panels

Recommended extinguisher types:

• CO₂ extinguishers

• Dry chemical extinguishers

These use non-conductive agents that reduce the risk of electric shock.

Important: Never use water on electrical fires.

Class D - Combustible Metals

Class D fires involve combustible metals such as:  Magnesium, Titanium, Sodium, Lithium. These fires are highly dangerous and require specialized extinguishers.

Recommended extinguisher types:  

• Dry powder extinguishers

Standard extinguishers are not effective on metal fires and may even cause explosions or violent reactions.

Class K - Cooking Oils and Fats

Class K fires are commonly found in commercial kitchens and involve: Cooking oils, Grease, Deep fryers

Recommended extinguisher types:  Wet chemical extinguishers

These extinguishers react with hot oil to create a soapy layer that cools and smothers the fire.

Quick Rule of Thumb

Choosing the right extinguisher becomes easier with these simple recommendations depending on the different location and enviroment. 

For Homes

You can use the following type of extinguisher:

• ABC dry chemical extinguisher

• Water mist extinguisher

For Kitchens

You can use the following type of extinguisher:

• Class K wet chemical extinguisher

For Offices and Server Rooms

You can use the following type of extinguisher:

• CO₂ extinguisher

• Clean agent extinguisher

For Workshops and Garages

You can use the following type of extinguisher:

• ABC dry chemical extinguisher

• CO₂ extinguisher

Always Check the Label

Every fire extinguisher includes a label showing the fire classes it is approved for. Before using any extinguisher:

• Check the fire class rating

• Make sure it matches the type of fire

• Read operating instructions in advance

Using the correct extinguisher can prevent injuries, reduce property damage, and save lives.

Final Thoughts

Fire extinguishers are not one-size-fits-all safety tools. Understanding the different fire classes and extinguisher types helps you respond quickly and safely during emergencies.

Whether you are protecting a home, office, kitchen, or industrial workspace, having the correct extinguisher  and knowing how to use it  is essential for fire safety preparedness.