Fire Department

574 - Fire Extinguishers for the Home

Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher. Portable fire extinguishers apply an "agent" that will cool burning fuel, restrict or remove the oxygen, or interfere with the chemical reaction so the fire cannot continue to burn.

Identify hazardous areas in and around your home where fires are likely to start and which type of fire would likely occur in each area. Extinguishers should be kept in a handy location but remote from the anticipated fire area. Everyone in the family should know where they are and how to use them.

• Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, cloth, upholstery, plastics or similar materials. For these types of fires, use a water or dry chemical extinguisher.
• Class B fires are fueled by flammable liquids and gases, kitchen greases, paint, oil, kerosene or gasoline. Use a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. NEVER use water.
• Class C fires involve live electrical equipment or wires, and should be extinguished with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. If possible, cut off the power first, before the fire becomes a Class A or B. DO NOT use water.

An ABC fire extinguisher will extinguish all three classes of fire and is the best type to have in your home. The minimum suggested rating for a fire extinguisher in your home is a 2A 10BC multipurpose dry chemical. Check your fire extinguisher for detailed instructions on how to use it.

For more information on fire extinguishers and other fire prevention techniques, please contact the Santa Monica Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau at (310) 458-8915, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.