Fire extinguishers are labeled for the type and size of fire that they can extinguish. There are 4 basic classes of fires. 

   Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, and paper. 

   Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, etc. 

   Class C: Energized electrical equipment 

   Class D: Flammable metals 

The fire extinguisher must be of the appropriate type for the fire it is to be used on. If you use the wrong type of extinguisher, you can endanger yourself and make the fire worse. To make choosing extinguishers easier, most extinguishers on campus are multi purpose ABC and may be used on most fires. 

• Call for help

• Pull the pin
• Aim nozzle at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the handle
• Sweep the nozzle back and forth

Continue doing this until the fire extinguisher is dead. If the fire is not out, and you are not in danger, use another fire extinguisher. 
 

Last updated: 10/2/98 
Web Page Design by: Michael Fox 
Problems/feedback? email: michael.fox@yale.edu