If a small fire breaks out and you need to contain it, you simply grab any extinguisher that is nearby and use it right? Actually no, because fires come from a wide variety of different sources and may need a unique type of extinguisher to put out the flame. Most fires that are classified as A, B, or C fires can be extinguished with one type of extinguisher. Those types are separated according to the type of fuel they burn. A type fires are burning wood, paper, trash, or certain types of plastic and rubber. B fires are comprised of liquids such as oil, tar, grease, a solvent, or paint. C class fires are sourced by something electrical, such as a frayed power cable or a faulty electrical outlet.
Should a fire occur, quickly look to see the class label on the extinguisher. If it is an extinguisher that covers ABC fires, like the 5lb Buckeye ABC fire extinguisher, you can safely put out the fire.
Two other classes of fire are less common but still dangerous. Class D fires involve burning metals such as magnesium, sodium, or potassium. Factories often stock the extinguishers needed for these fires. Class K fires are burning liquids used for cooking such as vegetable oils, animal oils, and different types of fats.
For more information on fire extinguishers, visit the Labenco LLC website.
