27/07/2026
Do you know the right FIRE EXTINGUISHER for each type of fire you may face?
Know which one to use
A fire extinguisher can stop a small fire before it develops into a serious emergency but only if you use the correct extinguisher for the type of fire.
Portable fire extinguishers are intended for small, incipient-stage fires that can be safely controlled. If the fire is spreading rapidly, producing heavy smoke, or blocking your exit, evacuate immediately, close the door if safe to do so, and call Triple Zero (000).
Water Extinguisher
Suitable for:
* Paper
* Wood
* Cardboard
* Textiles
* Some plastics
Water extinguishers work by cooling burning materials and are suitable for Class A fires involving ordinary combustible materials.
Do not use on flammable liquid, electrical, cooking oil or gas fires.
Foam (AFFF) Extinguisher
Suitable for:
* Paper and wood (Class A)
* Petrol
* Diesel
* Paints
* Other flammable liquids (Class B)
Foam extinguishers cool the fire while forming a blanket over the fuel, helping to suppress vapours and reduce the risk of re-ignition.
Only use on electrical equipment if the extinguisher is specifically marked as suitable and from a safe distance.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Extinguisher
Suitable for:
* Energised electrical equipment
* Flammable liquids (Class B)
CO₂ extinguishers displace oxygen around the fire and leave no residue, making them ideal for switchboards, computers and other electrical equipment.
Avoid holding the discharge horn during use, as it becomes extremely cold.
Dry Chemical Powder (ABE) Extinguisher
Suitable for:
* Ordinary combustibles (Class A)
* Flammable liquids (Class B)
* Flammable gases (Class C)
* Energised electrical equipment (Class E)
ABE dry chemical powder extinguishers are the most commonly installed extinguishers in Australian workplaces and commercial buildings. They extinguish fire by interrupting the chemical chain reaction.
Not recommended for use on cooking oil fires (Class F) or sensitive electronic equipment due to powder residue.
Wet Chemical Extinguisher
Suitable for:
* Cooking oils and fats (Class F)
* Commercial kitchens
Wet chemical extinguishers cool burning oils and fats while creating a protective soapy layer over the surface to help prevent re-ignition.
Some models are also suitable for small Class A fires.
Clean Agent Extinguisher
Suitable for:
* Computers
* Server rooms
* Electrical switchboards
* Telecommunications equipment
* Sensitive electronic equipment
Clean agent extinguishers leave no residue and are ideal where damage from extinguishing agents must be minimised.
Fire Safety Reminder
* Only attempt to extinguish a fire if it is small, contained and safe to do so
* Always keep a clear escape route behind you.
* If the extinguisher does not put the fire out immediately, or conditions become unsafe, stop, evacuate, close the door if possible, and call **Triple Zero (000)**.
* Never put yourself at risk to save property.
Understanding Australia's fire classes and using the correct extinguisher can save lives, reduce property damage, and prevent a small incident from becoming a major emergency.
This version is suitable for Australian workplaces, training materials, brochures, or social media educational posts and aligns with Australian fire classifications (Classes A, B, C, E and F) and extinguisher terminology.
www.scavengerfiresafety.com.au
