Harish Fire Services

Extinguisher is useful and for what type of Fire? There are a variety of fires. Each fire type, cannot treated the same way that, is why we have to use different Fire Extinguishers for different fires. For example, a water type Fire Extinguisher cannot be used for an electrical fire. Fire Extinguishers work on the principle that by isolating Oxygen from, the fuel and ignition; the Fire Triangle is effectively broken. Hence, the fire stops immediately. However, Fire Extinguishers are supposed to be used for small fire or fire in an infant stage. For large fires, Fire Extinguishers they might not be useful. So in a sense, you can call Fire Extinguishers as Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems, useful for fires in their infant stage. But the detection will, remain manual or visual; as seen by the person near the fire. What are the types of Fires? Fires are classified on the basis of their origin or the materials that are causing the fire to burn. Fire Type


Materials On Fire

Type A or “Ash”


Here, ordinary materials like wood, paper, cotton, cloth, etc. cause such a fire. Such a fire leaves “ASH” behind, as a residue. Type B or “Barrel”


Highly Flammable liquids, like paints, petrol, gasoline, benzene cause such type of fires. Such liquid, as always kept, protected in a “BARREL”

Type C or “Current”


The cause of such a fire, electrical circuits malfunctioning. Hence, an object may be charged and cause massive fire. There is a massive “CURRENT” flow which cause the fire. Type D or “ Dynamite”


Combustible metals, or combustible mixture, normally used the industries cause such fires. Example “DYNAMITE”

Type K or “Kitchen”


Vegetable oils, fats or Cooking Oils can cause such a fire. Such materials are generally, found in the “KITCHEN”

How to operate Fire Extinguishers? One can best, operate a Fire Extinguishers, by using the PASS principle:
1) P: PULL the pin form the handle.
2) A: AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire.
3) S: SQUEEZE the handle, and don’t let go.
4) S: SWEEP the nozzle from side to side. There are a large variety of Fire Extinguisher in India. Let us understand some of them:
Fire Extinguisher: Water Type

Water naturally, extinguishes fire. Such a Fire Extinguisher contains water under pressure. Water can be used only against Type A fires. Fire Extinguisher: Dry Chemical Type

Dry Chemical Type of Fire Extinguishers can be used in a variety of fire types. Hence they are commonly known as “Multi-purpose Fire Extinguishers.” They can be used in Type A, type B and Type C fires. This is the most popular Fire Extinguisher and is commonly seen in offices, hospitals or homes etc. Fire Extinguisher: Co2 Type or Co2 Extinguishing System

Such a Fire Extinguisher is used in Type A and type B fires. This is a clean type of Fire Extinguisher, this is because it leaves no residue behind. Hence, such a Fire Extinguisher is used in Server rooms or in Art Galleries. Fire Extinguisher: Foam Type

Such a Fire Extinguisher is used in Type A and type B fires. After the trigger is pressed, the foam is released from the Fire Extinguisher. The foam floats on the flammable liquid and isolate them from oxygen. However, they leave a residue, which has to be cleaned up. Fire Extinguisher: Wet Chemical Type

These are generally seen on professional kitchens. They work by forming a mist over the fire, which isolates the Oxygen. Annual Maintenance Contract or AMC

Any Fire Extinguisher Dealer, will know that each Fire Extinguisher has an expiry date. It is hence necessary to check a Fire Extinguisher, every 6months. A visual inspection can be carried out. This can be done by checking the pressure gauge in the Fire Extinguisher. Fire Extinguisher Suppliers in Mumbai or India, typically offer a warranty period of up to 1year.