{"id":39555,"key":"Fire_extinguishing","title":"Fire extinguishing","latest":{"id":1224105,"timestamp":"2026-01-09T00:05:58Z"},"content_model":"wikitext","license":{"url":"https://www.appropedia.org/Appropedia:Copyrights","title":"CC-BY-SA-4.0"},"source":"[[File:Impulse-fire-extinguishing-system.jpg|thumb]]\n\n'''Fire extinguishing''' refers to the extinguishing of a fire. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher#Dry_chemical chemical powder extinguisher] is nowadays used for pretty much any type of fire, however appropriate fire extinguishing assumes analysing the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_classes fire class] first, and then selecting a (environmentally harmless) extinguishing agent. For powder extinguishers, this means using particulate matter (ie sand, soil, ...), and for foam extinguishers, this means using a ecological soap mixed with water. CO² and FM 200 extinguishers can be used as is (already ecological). Both however only work in confined spaces (indoors).\n\n== Fire classes ==\n\n{| class=\"wikitable\" style=\"float: right\"\n|+ Comparison of fire classes\n! Class A\n! Class B\n! Class C\n! Class D\n|-\n| Ordinary combustibles\n| Flammable liquids\n| Flammable gases\n| Combustible metals\n|-\n| wood, paper, textile, artificial materials\n| gasoline, diesel, petroleum, paint thinner\n| propane, butane\n| magnesium, natrium, potassium, aluminum, alloys\n|}\n\n== Appropriate extinguishers depending on fire class ==\n\n* Class A: use water, or water + foam\n* Class B: use powder, or CO² or FM 200\n* Class C: use powder, or CO² or FM 200\n* Class D: use powder, or CO² or FM 200\n\nNote: never use water with class B fires, the water can spread the combustible fuel making the fire larger. Foam with water can also not be used with B fires, for the same reason. CO² finally can be used indoors, but make sure not to use it when inside the room (can asphyxiate the user).\n\n== How the agents extinguish the fire ==\n\n[[File:Fire triangle.png|thumb|150px|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_triangle Fire triangle]]\n\n{| class=\"wikitable\" style=\"float: right\"\n|+ How the agents extinguish the fire\n! Extinguishing agent\n! Cooling\n! Expelling of oxygen\n! Negative catalysis\n|-\n| water\n| very good\n| good\n| no\n|-\n| water + foam\n| very good\n| very good\n| no\n|-\n| powder\n| no\n| good\n| yes (good)\n|-\n| CO²\n| no\n| very good\n| no\n|-\n| FM 200\n| no\n| no\n| yes (very good)\n|}\n\n{{Page data\n| license = CC-BY-SA-3.0\n| description = Fire extinguishing basics are detailed on Appropedia, matching fire classes to agents so users act safely while limiting toxic residues.\n}}\n\n[[Category:Health and safety]]"}