These are the commonest types of fire extinguisher. They are colour coded so that you can identify them quickly and use the right extinguisher for the right type of fire.
For use on Class A fires only, e.g. solids such as wood, plastics. Extinguishes by cooling. Not safe on petrol/oil fires and not to be used near electrical equipment (unless it is a specialised mist extinguisher).
May be classified either ABC (containing ammonium phosphate) or BC (containing sodium or potassium phosphate), indicating the type of fire that can be tackled. Can be used on solids such as wood, plastics and liquids such as petrol/paints. Safe to use near electrical appliances. Extinguishes by smothering the flames. Does not cool very well.
Can be used on solids such as wood, plastics and liquids such as petrol/paints. Safe to use near electrical appliances. Extinguishes by smothering liquids with film or cooling and smothering solids.
Suitable mostly for liquids only such as petrol/paints (Class B or C fires). Safe to use near electrical appliances. Extinguishes by displacing oxygen. Does not cool and not suitable for solids.
Only for flammable metal (Class D) fires. Work by smothering the fire. You must have a specialised Class D extinguisher if you are working with such materials.
Very effective at smothering the fire and denying it oxygen but has to cover entire burning areas. Good for intense but localized areas such as chip fat fires (Class K or kitchen fires).