Understanding Fire and Fire Extinguisher: Types and Uses Explained

A smart emergency plan starts with matching fire and fire extinguisher strategy to the risks on site. The aim is simple: reduce fire risk, protect people and assets with proven safety protocols, and ensure the right canister is reachable, identifiable, and in-date when seconds matter.

“SANS 10400-T provides the deemed-to-satisfy route for fire protection in the National Building Regulations, including escape, containment and equipment placement.” Ndlambe Local Municipality+1

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Fire and Fire Extinguisher: A Comprehensive Guide

A fire extinguisher is only effective when its agent matches the fuel, its label is visible, and users are trained. Start with a risk walk-through, align to the classes of fire, then place, tag, and inspect. Keep an exit behind you, read the label, and apply the agent at the base of the flames.

• Key features to check during inspections- Gauge in the green
• Pin and tamper seal intact
• Mount height and signage correct
• Nozzle unobstructed and operating instructions readable

This article serves as a complete guide to fire extinguishers, covering their types, regulations, and proper usage.

“Only SAQCC Fire-registered personnel may service extinguishers in accordance with SANS 1475. Competence and registration are the ‘true measure’ for technicians.” Fire Safety App+1

Introduction to fire safety

Fire safety is a critical aspect of protecting people, property, and the environment from the dangers of fires. One of the most essential components of fire safety is the use of fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are designed to put out or control fires involving various types of fuels, such as combustible materials, flammable liquids, electrical equipment, and cooking oils. Understanding the different types of fire extinguishers, their uses, and how to operate them is vital for effective fire protection. In this guide, we will explore the various types of fire extinguishers, including water extinguishers, foam extinguishers, dry powder extinguishers, carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers, and wet chemical extinguishers, to help you make informed decisions about fire safety.

Whether you are safeguarding a home, office, or industrial site, knowing which extinguisher to use for each type of fire—be it from electrical equipment, flammable liquids, or kitchen oils—can make the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster. Each extinguisher type is engineered to tackle specific fire risks, from carbon dioxide units for electrical fires to foam extinguishers for flammable liquids, and wet chemical extinguishers for kitchen fires involving cooking oils. By understanding these differences and integrating the right extinguishers into your fire safety plan, you enhance your overall fire protection and ensure a safer environment for everyone.

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Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide units are clean and non-conductive, ideal for fires involving electrical equipment and selected B fires. They displace oxygen and cool components without residue. CO2 extinguishers are primarily used for electrical fires and can also extinguish Class B fires. They are especially effective for fires involving appliances, circuit breakers, and wiring, providing essential protection for sensitive electrical components. Use with care in confined rooms; ventilate after discharge.

“CO₂ and other systems must be designed, installed and maintained to recognised standards. ASIB rules acknowledged by insurers help reduce owner liability when systems are compliant.” asib.co.za

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Fire Extinguisher types

Not all fuels behave the same, so the types of fire and types of fire extinguishers must be mapped room-by-room. It is essential to identify the class of fire and select a suitable type of fire extinguisher for each hazard, as each class of fire presents unique hazards and requires a specific extinguisher for effective and safe suppression. This quick matrix helps you choose:

Hazard focus	Recommended type of fire extinguisher	Notes
Paper, wood, textiles (class A fires)	Water type of fire extinguisher, foam type of fire extinguisher	Cooling prevents re-ignition inside combustible materials; most plastics are also classified as Class A hazards and require suitable extinguishers
Petrol, solvents (class b fires)	Foam type of fire extinguisher, dry powder type of fire extinguisher	Blanket vapours; avoid splash on flammable liquids
Live boards and cabling (class c fires)	Carbon dioxide type of fire extinguisher, dry powder type of fire extinguisher	Non-conductive agents for electrical equipment and electrical fires
Fryers and hoods (class f fires)	Wet chemical type of fire extinguisher, wet chemical type of fire extinguisher	For cooking oils; surfaces that involve cooking oils
Foundry or machining (class d fires)	Special dry powder type of fire extinguisher for flammable metals	Specific powders for combustible metals and flammable metal fires

Key features of a good selection process: identify the class of fire and hazards present, label zones clearly, and train floor wardens to extinguish class risks with the right canister.

Dry Powder

Modern dry powder is versatile. Correctly specified, it can address class A, class B, class C and many electrical fires. It interrupts the flame’s chemical chain reaction, buying time for evacuation and control. Pair dry powder with foam in liquid areas to seal surfaces after knock-down. Where dust or residue is critical, document clean-down steps as part of routine fire safety.

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Classes of fire

Understanding the classes of fire is the fastest path to the right action:

• Class A fires
• Solid fuels. Use water or foam extinguishers to cool deep seats. Water extinguishers cool the burning material and stop the burn, resulting in the fire being extinguished.
• Class B fires
• Flammable liquids and combustible liquids. Use foam or dry chemical powder; apply gently to avoid splash.
• Class C fires
• Flammable gases and energised circuits; for panels choose CO₂ or dry chemical powder, and isolate power if trained.
• Class D fires
• Flammable metals and combustible metals need metal-rated powders only.
• Class F fires
• Kitchen fires that involve oils. These fires often involve burning oil and grease, and wet chemical extinguishers are designed to address these hazards; never use water.

There are six classes of fire: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Electrical, and Class F.

Fire extinguisher types and uses in practice

The most common types of fire extinguishers on South African sites are:

• Water extinguishers for class A stacks and shelving.
• Foam extinguisher for B fires and mixed storage with flammable liquids.
• Dry chemical powder for mixed risks, including electrical fires.
• Wet chemical extinguishers for canopies, hoods, and kitchen fires; these are especially important and suitable for use in commercial kitchens where Class F fires from cooking oils and fats are a risk.
• CO₂ for panels, server rooms, and electrical fires.

Train to the PASS steps, keep aisles clear, and ensure signage points to the right cylinder for each extinguish class. The P.A.S.S. method involves Pulling the pin, Aiming the nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeezing the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent, and Sweeping the nozzle from side to side.

Safety precautions and training for fire extinguisher use

Maintenance, compliance, and insurance expectations

Insurers and authorities expect documented inspections aligned to South African standards. Fire extinguishers must be serviced every 12 months to ensure they meet safety regulations. Keep records of asset ID, location, last service, and corrective actions.

Maintaining a reliable supply of certified fire extinguishers and related equipment is essential to meet compliance and safety standards.

“SANS 1475 requires that servicing be performed by registered SAQCC Fire technicians in full compliance with the standard and mark conditions.” mbfire.co.za

“SANS 10400-T remains the regulatory backbone for placement, escape and fire protection measures in buildings.” Archive.org

“FPASA guidance for industry stresses visible procedures, trained responders and control of processes using flammable liquids and gases.” fpasa.co.za+1

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Quick selection checklist

Use this before purchasing or relocating a fire extinguisher:

• Identify the types of fire in each room or process.
• Confirm the fire extinguisher types against the matrix above.
• For panels and racks, prefer CO₂ or dry chemical powder.
• For kitchens, specify wet chemical units and train operators.
• For tanks or bunds, pair foam with dry powder for vapour sealing.
• Label zones so responders match canister to class c, b fires, or f fires instantly.

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Frequently asked questions

Which fire extinguisher helps with panels and energized circuits
Use CO₂ or dry chemical powder on fires involving electrical equipment and isolate power when trained. This protects electrical components while limiting residue.

What about liquids and stores
Foam and dry powder help with flammable liquids; apply gently to avoid splash. Keep spill kits for fires involving chemicals.

Why do kitchens need a specific canister
Wet chemical is the only safe first choice for fryers and hoods because it cools and forms a crust on oils to prevent re-ignition in class f zones.

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Conclusion

Robust fire safety blends good design, correct fire extinguisher choice, and disciplined upkeep. When site plans align the types of fire to clearly labelled types of fire extinguishers, you cut fire risk dramatically. Keep CO₂ for panels, foam for flammable liquids, water extinguishers for racks and paper, dry powder for mixed risks, and wet chemical for class f areas. Back it all with SAQCC-qualified servicing, FPASA-informed procedures, and SANS-based placement to achieve reliable fire defence in every zone.

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Word to the wise

• Register technicians with SAQCC Fire and service to SANS 1475. Fire Safety App+1
• Design and place to SANS 10400-T expectations. Ndlambe Local Municipality
• Where sprinklers are present, note that ASIB guidance is recognised by insurers for compliance and liability posture. asib.co.za
• All fire extinguishers must comply with the standards set by the British Standard (BS EN3).