Types of Fire Extinguishers

• There are many types of fire extinguishers, each designed to extinguish a specific type of fire. The most common type of fire extinguisher found in homes and businesses is the ABC dry chemical extinguisher. This extinguisher is safe to use on the majority of fires. Each letter in the type denotes what type of fire the extinguisher is designed to extinguish.
  A - Paper, wood, cardboard, most plastics
  B - Gasoline, kerosene, grease, oil
  C - Electrical Equipment, appliances, wiring, circuit breakers
  D - Mostly used in chemical laboratories. It has few home applications.
  
  The ABC type extinguisher can be used on any of the materials listed for A-B-C types. This is also known as an "all purpose" extinguisher.
  
  

Best Extinguisher for a Grease Fire

• A dry chemical Class B extinguisher is designed to extinguish grease fires. This class also falls into the ABC class extinguisher. In addition to the dry chemical extinguisher there is a Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguisher. The Class B CO2 extinguisher is also effective on grease fires. Most extinguishers found in the home are dry chemical extinguishers.
  
  

Extinguisher rating

• The numeric rating on a Class B extinguisher denotes the approximate number of square feet of flame the unit can extinguish.
  
  

Incorrect Extinguishers

• Never use a water based extinguisher on a grease fire. These extinguishers will not only fail to extinguish the flames they may cause the fire to spread and intensify. Be certain you use only a dry chemical of CO2 extinguisher on a grease fire.
  
  

Fire Safety Rules

• When using an extinguisher on a grease fire, or any other type of fire, you should keep a few safety tips in mind. Always fight the fire with your back to an escape route. If the fire becomes too large, or threatens to block your escape, you should immediately exit the building or structure. A grease fire can spread rapidly, be prepared to make a speedy exit should this happen.
  
  

How to Operate an Extinguisher

• When using a fire extinguisher, you should remember P.A.S.S. P (pull the pin). A (aim at the base of the flame). S (squeeze the trigger). S (sweep side to side). Slowly advance on the flames, pushing them back as you move forward.