What are the different types of fire and how do you extinguish them?”

Why is knowing the classification of fires essential?

When a fire breaks out, every second counts. Yet the appropriate response depends on the type of fire you’re dealing with. This is where the classification of fires comes in, a simple but fundamental system for identifying the nature of the danger and adapting the means of extinction.

In fact, not all fires are alike: a wood fire in a chimney is not fought in the same way as a flaming deep fryer or a flaming gas leak. That’s why fires are classified by standardised categories (A, B, C, D, F), depending on the type of fuel involved.

Here’s why this classification is so important:

• It allows us to understand the behaviour of fire (propagation, temperature, residues).
• It avoids intervention errors (using water on an oil fire can make the situation worse).
• It guides towards the right extinguishing agent to use (water spray, multi-purpose powder, CO₂…).
• It forms the basis of all fire training, whether in the workplace or at home.

Whether you’re an individual or a professional, knowing the classes of fire means you can react effectively while protecting yourself and limiting the damage. It’s also the first step towards real fire prevention, whether in an office, workshop or family home.

The 5 main classes of fire: simple explanations and examples

Fires are divided into five main categories, each corresponding to a type of burning material. This classification enables the risk to be identified quickly and the right extinguishing equipment to be used.

Class A – Common solids

These are the most common fires. They involve materials such as wood, paper, cardboard, fabrics or certain plastics. They can be found in homes, offices and warehouses. These fuels produce embers and are spread by heat.
Suitable extinguishing media: water spray, foam, multi-purpose powder.

Class B – Flammable liquids

Petrol, solvents, paints, alcohols and hydrocarbons fall into this category. This type of fire is particularly dangerous because of the volatility of the products and the risk of explosion.
Suitable extinguishing media: AFFF foam, multi-purpose powder, CO₂.

Class C – Combustible gases

This category covers fires involving butane, propane, methane or other gases used in industry or the home. Extinguishing is always done by shutting off the gas source, never by trying to extinguish the flames alone.
Suitable extinguishing media: powder, only after the gas has been cut off.

Class D – Metals in combustion

Less common but very difficult to control, these fires involve metals such as magnesium, aluminium or sodium. Suitable extinguishing media: special “class D” powders only.

Class F – Cooking fats and oils

Specific to kitchens, this class concerns deep fryer or pan fires containing animal or vegetable fats. They are very violent and should never be treated with water.
Suitable extinguishing media: class F special agent extinguisher or fire blanket.

Which extinguisher for which type of fire? Practical guide

For an extinguisher to be effective, it must be adapted to the nature of the fire. Each extinguishing agent acts according to a precise physical or chemical principle: cooling, smothering, interrupting the chain reaction, or isolating the fuel. Choosing the right equipment is therefore essential to bring a fire under control quickly and safely.

The different extinguishing agents

There are several types of agent used in fire extinguishers. Each offers specific advantages depending on the situation:

• Water spray: effective on Class A fires, it cools the firebox and prevents flare-ups.
• Foam (AFFF): useful for liquid fires (class B), it isolates the fuel from the air.
• All-purpose powder (ABC): acts by smothering and interrupting combustion. It is effective on classes A, B and C.
• CO₂ (carbon dioxide): recommended for electrical or liquid fires. It leaves no residue, but is not suitable for confined spaces.
• Special agents: designed for metal fires (class D) or cooking fires (class F), they require dedicated equipment.

Matching the right extinguisher to each category of fire

The label on an extinguisher always indicates the classes of fire it can extinguish. Here are the most common correspondences:

• Water fire extinguisher: class A only.
• Foam fire extinguisher: classes A and B.
• ABC powder extinguisher: classes A, B, C – versatile, ideal for mixed buildings.
• Extinguisher CO₂: class B and live equipment.
• Class D fire extinguisher: only for metal fires.
• Class F fire extinguisher: for cooking oil and grease fires.

Mistakes to avoid

Certain poorly chosen interventions can worsen the situation:

• Using water on burning oil causes a violent spray.
• Spraying an extinguisher on live equipment without first checking the type can cause electrocution.
• Using an unchecked or poorly maintained extinguisher compromises its effectiveness.

Focus on modern, ecological fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are evolving: some brands now offer free PFAS (persistent fluorinated substances) models to reduce environmental impact. Others are innovating with water mist systems or connected extinguishers, capable of sending an alert in the event of a drop in pressure or non-compliance.

Choosing a fire extinguisher also means thinking about its maintenance, lifespan and suitability for the location in which it is installed. A good extinguisher is only useful if it’s well chosen, well placed and well maintained.

Thank you, and we’ll continue in the same spirit. Here is the next section:

Domestic fire extinguishers: what to choose for your house or flat?

Even at home, a start of fire can happen at any time. A short circuit, cooking left unattended, a candle too close to a curtain… There are many risks in the home. Fitting a suitable fire extinguisher is not a legal requirement in Switzerland for private homes, but it is a real gesture of fire prevention.

Assessing common household risks

Before choosing a fire extinguisher, it’s a good idea to identify potential sources of fire in your home:

• Kitchen: main place of origin of fires (fats, oils, ovens, electrical appliances).
• Living room and bedroom: presence of textiles, candles, chargers or cigarettes.
• Basement or garage: storage of flammable products, batteries or electrical DIY.

Identifying these areas makes it easier to adapt protection.

Choosing a versatile, compact extinguisher

For domestic use, the ideal extinguisher is often an ABC powder or foam model:

• It covers classes A, B (and sometimes C, depending on the model).
• It is easy to use and requires no complex maintenance.
• It comes in compact sizes (1 or 2 kg) for discreet wall mounting.

In addition, a fire blanket is highly recommended, particularly in the kitchen.

Where can it be placed for rapid intervention?

A fire extinguisher must be :

• Visible and easily accessible, even under stress.
• Fixed near risk areas, without being too close to the potential focus.
• Installed at a height of between 1.0 and 1.5 m for a quick grip.

Avoid cluttered or enclosed areas (cupboards, deep drawers), and make sure everyone in the home knows how to use it.

Tips for safe use

• Check the pressure once a year (green light on the gauge).
• Never handle a fire extinguisher to test: it could lose its effectiveness.
• If you have lithium-ion batteries (bicycles, scooters, smartphones), find out about the specific models adapted to this risk.

In the home as elsewhere, a well-chosen and well-placed fire extinguisher can make all the difference in the event of an incident.

Faced with fire: the right reflexes in emergency situations

When a fire breaks out, panic can quickly take over. But keeping your cool and doing the right thing in the first few seconds can often limit the damage and even save lives. Knowing what to do in the event of a fire is just as important as having a fire extinguisher.

What to do in the event of a fire

Before taking action, we need to assess the situation :

• Is the fire localised or already spreading?
• Is there a safe exit for evacuation?
• Is the fire involving electrical equipment, a deep fryer or a gas pipeline?

If the fire is small, contained and you have the appropriate extinguisher within reach, you can try to put it out. Otherwise, evacuation is the priority.

When to extinguish? When to evacuate?

A fire extinguisher is only useful if :

• The fire is narrow and accessible.
• You have the right type of extinguisher.
• You know how to use it.

In all other cases, evacuate immediately, close the doors behind you to stop the flames spreading, and call for help as soon as possible. Remember that smoke kills more than fire itself.

Using a fire extinguisher: the 4 simple steps

1. Remove the safety pin.
2. Quickly test the extinguisher away from the fire.
3. Look at the base of the flames, not the top.
4. Swipe sideways, from left to right.

Use short bursts of pressure if the extinguisher allows, to save the charge if the fire starts again.
Learn more with our practical guide to using an extinguisher.

The importance of rapid, organised evacuation

Every home or building should have a clear evacuation plan, even a rough one. At home, discuss it with the children: where to go out, where to meet up, who to call. In companies, fire training helps to automate these reflexes and act effectively as a team.

The best intervention is always the one that has been prepared in advance.

Why take a fire training course with SafetyFirst?

Having a fire extinguisher isn’t enough: you also need to know when and how to use it, in an often stressful environment. This is where fire training comes into its own. Learning how to react to a fire means transforming an instinctive reaction into a controlled action, calmly and effectively.

The benefits of practical, supervised learning

At SafetyFirst, the training courses for good fire management are designed to make each participant active and confident. Far from classroom theory courses, the sessions are based on actual exercises: actual handling of fire extinguishers, role-playing a fire outbreak, evacuation reflexes, and risk identification.

The aim: to leave with automatic reflexes, useful in both professional and personal settings.

Real-life simulations and safe handling of fire extinguishers

Trainees use professional equipment, on controlled fire pits. This enables them to:

• Feel the pressure of a real fire extinguisher.
• Learn to aim correctly and act quickly.
• Understand the limits and conditions of use for each type of extinguishing agent.

This teaching format enables the long-term integration of safety procedures.

Suitable for businesses, local authorities and private individuals

SafetyFirst offers on-site training, at your premises, or at its centres in French-speaking Switzerland. The modules are adaptable according to needs, the number of participants and the level of risk identified. Whether you’re a facility manager, parent, craftsman or member of a safety committee, you can find a suitable solution here.

Raising awareness that’s useful and accessible to all

Understanding the different types of fire, choosing the right firefighting device, knowing how to act without exposing yourself: these are valuable skills that everyone can acquire. Prevention starts with information, but is reinforced by action. Fire training is a concrete step towards greater safety for yourself, others and your environment.

How to deal with a deep fryer fire (practical scenario)

Here is a concrete example of a situation at home, with the recommended gestures step by step:

1. Immediately turn off the heat source
   Turn off the hob or deep fryer, without attempting to move the pan.
2. Absolutely do not use water
   Water triggers a violent projection of flaming oil. This makes the fire worse.
3. Cover the fire with a fire blanket
   Gently place it over the pan or deep fryer to smother the flames.
4. Use a Class F extinguisher if you have one
   These extinguishers are designed for oil and grease fires, with no danger of splashing.
5. If the fire doesn’t go out, evacuate and call for help
   Close the kitchen door to limit the spread, then get out quickly.

Fire management FAQs