A fire extinguisher is a portable device used to extinguish or control small fires. It contains a fire-retardant material that is released when the device is triggered. Fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires caused by common combustible materials such as wood, paper, fabric, and flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and grease.
There are different types of fire extinguishers, each designed for specific types of fires. The most common types of fire extinguishers are:
1. Class A extinguishers: for fires caused by ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and fabric.
2. Class B extinguishers: for fires caused by flammable liquids and gases like gasoline, oil, and propane.
3. Class C extinguishers: for fires caused by electrical equipment like appliances, wires, and circuits.
4. Class D extinguishers: for fires caused by combustible metals like magnesium, titanium, and potassium.
5. Class K extinguishers: for fires caused by cooking oils and fats, commonly found in commercial kitchens.
Fire extinguishers are essential safety devices that can help prevent small fires from turning into large and dangerous fires. It is important to have fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations and to know how to use them properly in case of an emergency.