Fire extinguishers are probably the most important tools in preventing small fires from becoming life-threatening emergencies. Simple to use, compact, and highly effective, they may be a vital safety device for homes, workplaces, vehicles, and public spaces.
How Fire Extinguishers Work
A fire extinguisher can be a pressurised container full of an agent made to suppress flames. When activated, the agent is released under time limits for cooling the burning material, smother flames, or disrupt caffeine reaction that sustains the hearth. Different extinguishers use different agents—for example water, foam, skin tightening and (CO₂), dry powder, or wet chemicals—each suited to particular fire types.
Classes of Fire and Matching Extinguishers
Fires are classified in accordance with the fuel source:
Class A: Combustible solids like wood, paper, and textiles. Best tackled with water or foam extinguishers.
Class B: Flammable liquids such as petrol, paint, or solvents. Foam, COâ‚‚, or dry powder is best suited.
Class C: Flammable gases like propane or butane. Dry powder extinguishers are recommended.
Class D: Combustible metals like magnesium or sodium. Specialised powder agents are required.
Class E (Electrical): Fires involving electrical equipment. COâ‚‚ or dry powder extinguishers are safest.
Class F: Cooking oils and fats. Wet chemical extinguishers are equipped for these high-heat fires.
Using a bad extinguisher type may be dangerous—for example, using water while on an electrical or oil fire may Fire extinguishers for sale NZ spread flames or cause electrocution.
When and How to Use
Fire extinguishers focus on small, contained fires. If a hearth is spreading rapidly or room is filling with smoke, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.
When it’s safe to proceed, remember the PASS technique:
Pull the pin
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle
Sweep from side to side
Regular checks are essential—ensure extinguishers are in date, undamaged, and correctly pressurised.
Essential Safety Investment
Whether it’s at home kitchen, office, warehouse, boat, or vehicle, a hearth extinguisher provides comfort and immediate fire-fighting capability. For the best protection, select the right type to your environment, ensure it meets safety standards, and it maintained.
Having a fire extinguisher within reach may make the real difference from a minor incident and a devastating loss.