Are you aware of the different types of fire extinguishers?
A fire accident can take place at any time of the day. With combustible materials to serve as fuel, a fire can spread quicker than one can imagine. If left burning, a fire can be lethal, and it can destroy everything that comes in its way. One of the most important tools to put out a fire is a fire extinguisher. You may not know this, but there are several types of fire extinguishers.
Foam Extinguishers
The most common type of fire extinguisher is the foam extinguisher. This fire extinguisher is used to put out fires caused by flammable substances, like nail polish and turpentine. Such fires are also referred to as Class B fires. The foam extinguisher falls into the category of water-based extinguishers, and it also works perfectly on Class A fires, which are caused by the ignition of paper and wood products. However, this isn’t the best fire extinguisher for kitchen fires and those caused by the ignition of flammable metals. The foam fire extinguisher is identified by a cream-colored label.
Water Extinguishers
If you are faced with a Class A fire, a water extinguisher is important to have on hand. A water extinguisher is identified by the red label on its container, as opposed to a cream-colored label on the foam extinguisher container. It is the perfect fire extinguisher for fires caused by paper, wood, textiles, and cardboard. However, it mustn’t be used to put out fires caused by flammable substances or even electrical fires.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguisher
The carbon dioxide extinguisher is perfect for electrical fires. It can be used to put out fires in computer server rooms to be exact. Interestingly, these extinguishers can put out Class B fires too, which are caused by flammable materials. The carbon dioxide extinguisher tends to displace the oxygen needed by fire to burn. As a result, it ends up suffocating the fire to the point where it can no longer burn. This type of fire extinguisher is identified by a black label on its container.
Wet Chemical Extinguisher
A wet chemical fire extinguisher is used on Class F fires. Class F fires are caused by fats and cooking oils. Furthermore, wet chemical extinguishers are just as good for Class A fires. These fire extinguishers are identified by a yellow label on their containers.
These were just some of the most common types of fire extinguishers you can use. It is always best to prevent fire accidents from happening. To prevent fires, for example, remove all of the flammable materials and substances from the living space and store them safely. Secondly, make sure the electrical connections and wires are in perfect working condition and are replaced if they are faulty. Lastly, your indoor space should be free from clutter, for the unnecessary items serve as fuel for fire.
Never hesitate to call 911 to have the local fire department respond immediately. No fire is to small for the fire department. In addition, they conduct inspections to ensure there are not secondary fires or risks at the time.
Fire damage often includes extinguisher chemical and water damage clean up. For personal safety and building safety, biohazard clean up and water damage restoration is best left to professionals like Service Team of Professionals (STOP).
STOP Metrowest is an IICRC Certified Firm – safe, quality, and compassionate service is our priority! We provide 24/7 emergency water extraction and restoration of any fire or water damage related issues in Framingham MA or other Boston Metrowest MA communities like Weston MA, Millis MA, and Hudson MA. Call STOP MetroWest at 508-753-3780.
For more fire damage restoration information, visit our webpage at STOP Metrowest.
