Fires & Types of Fire Extinguishers

Series Summary

A fire extinguisher is used in emergency situations as active protection against extinguishing or controlling small fires. It is not designed for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which reaches the ceiling, endangers the user, or otherwise requires the intervention of a fire department. Typically, a fire extinguisher contains water or chemicals that can be discharged to extinguish a fire. In this free safety video series, let a fire marshal show you how to properly use a fire extinguisher in the event of a small, controllable fire. Learn about different extinguishers that are used for different types of fires. Maintenance and inspections are important and discussed by our fire expert. You'll also get a demonstration on using a fire extinguisher. You'll feel safer after you watch our safety video series knowing you'll confidently operate a fire extinguisher.

Video Transcript

"Hi. This is Deputy Chief Henry Watson with the New Bern Fire-Rescue in New Bern, North Carolina. In this session, we're going to discuss the proper techniques of using fire extinguishers to extinguish a fire. To understand which type of fire extinguisher works properly for the type of fire that you have, we have to look at the different types of fire extinguishers and understand their advantages and disadvantages. Fires are broken down into three major classifications, and identified by the ABC principle. A Class A fire consists of ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, paper, cloth, and certain plastics. Man: Aim at the base of the fire. Deputy Chief: Class B fires consist of flammable liquids, such as gasoline, kerosene, LP gas, and also cooking greases. Class C fires are any fire that involves any electrically energized appliance or equipment."