Client Safety Information

Fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire they are meant to suppress. You will find the "Class Type" or rating marked clearly on the label.

Fire Extinguisher Ratings

Class A Extinguishers will put out fires of ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher refers to the amount of water the fire extinguisher holds and the amount of fire it will extinguish.

Class B Extinguishers should be used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguishers states the approximate number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire that a non-expert person can expect to extinguish.

Class C Extinguishers are for use on electrically energized fires. This class of fire extinguishers does not have a numerical rating. The presence of the letter "C" indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.

Class D Extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals. Generally speaking, these are the rarest extinguishers and are only found in specific, industrial settings.

Class K Extinguishers are to be used for the protection of cooking appliances that use combustible cooking media, such as vegetable or animal fats and oils.

** Please note – Existing dry chemical extinguishers without a Class K listing that were installed for the protection of Class K hazards MUST be replaced with an extinguishing with a class K listing. **

Multi-Class Ratings

Many extinguishers available today can be used on different types of fires and will be labelled with more than one class designation (for example: A-B, B-C, or A-B-C).
These extinguishers are often the best choice for general fire safety needs. It covers you in any situations and you need not worry about using a Class A on a gasoline fire, for example.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Dry Chemical extinguishers are usually rated for multiple purpose use. They contain an extinguishing agent and use a compressed, non-flammable gas as a propellant.

Halotron extinguishers are ideal for handling fires in the corporate and industrial settings. They inhibit the chemical reaction of fire but do not leave any unsightly solid residue when used, thus preventing damage to documents and other valuable sensitive electronics like computers, monitors and other office peripherals.

** The Halotron I is a chemical blend based on the raw material HCFC-123 and has a higher throw length compared to the other clean agents, owing to its relatively high boiling point. In comparison, this makes it more effective and easier to dispense even for the inexperienced user, as it can reach up to 45 feet.**

FE 36 clean agent is the most widely used zero ozone depleting replacement for Halon 1211 in portable fire extinguishers and is approved for use on Class-A, -B, and -C fires. These extinguishers discharge a stream of gas and liquid droplets that are propelled into the heart of the fire, stopping combustion through a chemical reaction and by absorbing the fire's heat. Since FE-36 becomes a gas at -1.4 degrees C (39 degrees F), it leaves no residue behind and after the fire, dissipates into the atmosphere, and therefore are the most suitable option to protect high-value assets such as computer rooms, telecommunications facilities, process control rooms, museums, archives, marine, hospitals, banks, laboratories, and airplanes.

Water (H2O) extinguishers contain water and compressed gas and should only be used on Class A, ordinary combustible fires such as wood and paper.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are most effective on Class B and C (liquid and electrical) fires. Since the gas disperses quickly, these extinguishers are only effective from 3 to 8 feet. The carbon dioxide is stored as a compressed liquid in the extinguisher; as it expands, it cools the surrounding air. Ice forming at the discharge nozzle during use is normal. Since the fire could re-ignite, continue to apply the agent after the fire appears to be out.

Evergreen Fire and Safety Services has helped many homeowners reduce their fire and other safety risks. There are many potential safety issues to deal with on an ongoing basis in your home. With some common sense, good maintenance and basic safety procedures, these safety related practices can ensure a home that is free from hazards and is prepared in the case an emergency occurs.

To reduce fire danger in your home
(From The Toronto Fire Service Safety Tips Brochure)

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