What are the main types of fire extinguishers?

The primary types of fire extinguishers are categorized based on the types of fires they are designed to combat. Each type is effective against specific classes of fire, making it crucial for fire safety.

Water extinguishers are typically used on fires involving solid combustibles such as wood or paper (Class A fires). Dry chemical extinguishers are versatile and are effective against a range of fires, including those involving flammable liquids (Class B) and electrical equipment (Class C). CO2 extinguishers work well on electrical fires and flammable liquids as they displace oxygen, starving the fire of what it needs to burn. Foam extinguishers are effective on flammable liquid fires as they create a barrier on the surface of the burning liquid, preventing re-ignition.

This combination of extinguishers covers a broad spectrum of potential fire scenarios, making the choice a comprehensive and practical one for fire safety applications.