Fire Extinguisher Types
This common red extinguisher is rated for ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth.
What is a Class A (or water/ABC) extinguisher?
The four-step method for operating a portable extinguisher: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
What is the PASS method?
Class A fires involve these everyday materials.
What are ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth, etc.)?
This is often the first and most common symptom.
What is thirst?
The general recommendation for daily fluid intake for most healthy adults.
What is about 8 glasses / 2–3 liters of fluid per day (or “drink when thirsty + more with activity”)?
This type uses a dry chemical and is effective on flammable liquids and electrical fires.
What is an ABC dry chemical extinguisher?
The distance you should typically stand from the fire when using a standard extinguisher.
What is 6–10 feet (or a safe distance)?
Class B fires involve these substances.
What are flammable liquids or gases?
Dark yellow or amber urine is a classic indicator of this level of fluid loss.
What is mild to moderate dehydration?
You should increase fluid intake in these environmental conditions.
What are hot weather, high humidity, or high altitude?
This rare type is used for combustible metals such as magnesium or titanium.
What is a Class D extinguisher?
You should always aim the nozzle or hose at this part of the fire.
What is the base (or bottom) of the fire?
Class C fires are fueled by this energy source.
What is electricity / energized electrical equipment?
This physical sign involves the skin taking longer than normal to return to position after being pinched.
What is poor skin turgor (or skin tenting)?
These beverages can actually worsen dehydration if consumed in excess.
What are alcohol and caffeinated drinks (in excess)?
This specialized extinguisher is designed for cooking oils and fats in commercial kitchens.
What is a Class K (or wet chemical) extinguisher?
This is the maximum recommended time a typical portable extinguisher will discharge.
What is 10–20 seconds (or about 8–30 seconds depending on size)?
Class K fires specifically involve these kitchen substances.
What are cooking oils and fats?
In more severe cases, this can include dizziness, confusion, or rapid heartbeat.
What are signs of severe dehydration?
Eating foods with high water content (like these examples) helps maintain hydration.
What are fruits and vegetables (watermelon, cucumber, oranges, etc.)?
This clean-agent or CO₂ extinguisher leaves no residue and is preferred for sensitive electronics.
What is a CO₂ or clean-agent extinguisher?
Before using an extinguisher, you should ensure this important condition about your escape route.
What is having a clear exit path / not letting the fire block your escape?
Class D fires involve these materials that can burn at very high temperatures.
What are combustible metals?
In infants or young children, this may appear as fewer wet diapers and a sunken soft spot on the head.
What are signs of dehydration in infants/young children?
Athletes or people working outdoors should follow this strategy of drinking before, during, and after activity.
What is drinking fluids before, during, and after activity / scheduled hydration?