FACT: Portable fire extinguishers save lives and property! Knowing this, the Orwigsburg Fire Department has always encouraged home and business owners to maintain a currently inspected and working fire extinguisher in their home and or business. The Orwigsburg Fire Department strongly encourages that everyone understands the types of fire extinguishers that are available, how to identify them, and how to operate the extinguisher during a fire situation.

Common Types of Fires

There are FOUR common types of fires that any household or business could experience. They are described, and labeled, as such:

CLASS A fires consist of only ordinary combustibles such as wood and common household trash (paper).
CLASS B fires are those that are burning due to a flammable liquid such as gasoline or kerosene.
CLASS C fires are fires that have a continuous feed of electrical current to the object that is on fire (i.e your computer). Once the electrical current has been broken, or cut, the electrical equipment that is on fire is now considered a Class A or Class B fire, depending on the situation and object(s) on fire. Never cut any wires or cables to break the flow of electrical current to an object that is on fire! If it is safe, you can cut power to the object from a grounded source like a power switch or breaker. Always take the proper precautions and treat the fire as a Class C fire. This is why it is always ideal to keep a Class A-B-C extinguisher in your home, or in the office.
CLASS D fires, and least common, are fires that are caused and maintained due to combustible metals such as magnesium.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

There are several types of fire extinguishers available to the public.

• Dry Chemical Extinguishers. The terms dry chemical and dry powder are often incorrectly used interchangeably. Dry chemical extinguishers are commonly used on Class A-B-C fire and or Class B-C fires. Dry powder agents, or dry powder extinguishers, are for Class D fires only.
• Halon Extinguishers. These extinguishers are the least common due to their ozone-depletion potential. Generally, halon extinguishers are most common for Class B and Class C fires only. Because halon extinguishers leave very little residue, they are the most common for using on electrical equipment fires.
• Water Extinguishers. Water extinguishers are only water and are generally contained under pressure. These extinguishers should only be used for Class A fires.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers. These extinguishers are most effective on Class B and Class C fires. The carbon dioxide is stored as a liquid and will cool as it extinguishes. Because of this natural reaction, cold frost crystals will form on the nozzle, or horn, of a CO2 extinguisher.

Which One Is Best For Me?

The environment you either live in, or work in, will determine which kind of extinguisher to own. Generally, all homeowners and business owners should own a suitable amount of dry chemical extinguishers, because of their effective use on Class A-B-C fires. Always remember to use the appropriate extinguisher for the job! For example, if your computer is burning, or on fire, DO NOT use an extinguisher that has this marking:

Please use one that has this making instead!

Also, please make sure that the extinguisher specifically shows the symbol for Class C fires, because it is your computer burning, not your dinner because you over cooked it!

How Do I Use A Fire Extinguisher?

Always remember P.A.S.S!

Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and then release the locking mechanism.
Aim low. Point the nozzle to the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side as the extinguisher releases its agent.

Last Thoughts?

Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.
Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher trainings.

Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately.

Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.

• Always remember to have your fire extinguisher inspected yearly.
• Occasionally check the pressure gauge on the extinguisher to ensure proper pressure and to make sure the extinguisher is charged(full). Remember, once you use a fire extinguisher once, it must be recharged by a certified extinguisher service center. You can find certified service centers in your local phone book.
• For more information of fire extinguishers, you may contact the Orwigsburg Fire Department, or please visit the United State Fire Administration's website at www.usfa.fema.gov.