Fire Extinguishers

Four things must be present to start a fire – heat, oxygen, fuel, and a chemical/exothermic reaction. A fire extinguisher puts the fire out by taking away one of the four elements.

Fires have different classifications, which often require different extinguishing agents.

• Class A fires – this type of fire involves common combustibles, such as paper, wood, plastics, etc.
• Class B fires – this fire involves flammable liquids, such as gasoline, kerosene, etc.
• Class C fires – electrical fire
• Class D fires – metals such as aluminum, magnesium, etc.
• Class K fires – cooking oils fire (vegetable oils, animal fats)

Most fire extinguishers will have a pictogram on the side indicating what types of fires they can extinguish.

Types of fire extinguishers:

• Water
• CO2
• Dry Chemical
• Etc.

MATC uses dry chemical extinguishers in most areas of all campuses as this type of extinguisher will extinguish class A, B, and C fires. Class D and K fires require specific extinguishing agents.

Using a fire extinguisher:
Remember the acronym PASS

P - Pull the pin
A - Aim the nozzle
S - Squeeze the trigger
S - Sweep the nozzle at the base of the fire

If you do see a fire, evacuate the building first. If the fire is still small and contained to a small area (i.e. a small wastebasket), and your exit is not blocked by the fire, you may attempt to extinguish the fire yourself.

Fire Extinguisher Training

To set up fire extinguisher training, contact the EH&S Office at (608) 246-6291.

Questions? Contact Environmental Health & Safety