Water fire extinguishers can be used for Class A fires i.e. solids only, such as wood, paper, plastics and fabrics. They are not suitable for controlling Class B liquid fires e.g. paraffin, petrol, oil-based fires, including chip pan fires, or on electrical fires and where electricity is involved unless the supply can be disconnected first. Water fire extinguishers are colour coded with a red label. Do not be confused with the normal red paint finish on the main body of most types of fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher works by water under pressure cooling burning material.
How to use a Water Fire Extinguisher
- Direct the jet at the base of the flame and keep it moving across the area of the fire.
- Seek out any hot spots after the main fire is extinguished.
- A fire spreading vertically should be attacked at its lowest point and followed upwards.
