There are several types of fire extinguishers and the correct type should be used for each class of fire.

A - Solid (Wood, paper, textile), B - Flammable liquids, C - Flammable gases, D - Flammable metals, E - Electrical fires, F - Cooking oil / fat.

All new fire extinguishers are red, but 5% of the area is coloured using the code shown below.

RED

WATER - For use with class A only - wood and paper - do not use on chemical, or electrical fires.  

DO NOT USE ON CHIP PANS

BLUE

DRY POWDER - there are two types ABC and BC.  BC are for use with Liquid fires and fires involving gases.  ABC (General Purpose) can also be used with class A (wood, paper, textile) fires. 

Dry Powder fire extinguishers may be used on electricity, but they do not penetrate small spaces in electrical equipment well.

WARNING- It can be dangerous to extinguish gas fires without first isolating the supply.

Dry Powder fire extinguishers are very messy.

DO NOT USE ON CHIP PANS

CREAM

CONVENTIONAL FOAM - Only for use on some Liquid Fires

AFFF FOAM - (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) - For use on wood, paper, textiles and liquid fires. (A and B)

DO NOT USE ON CHIP PANS

BLACK

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) - For use on liquid and electrical fires (Class B & E). 

Fires may re-ignite when using CO2.   

DO NOT USE ON CHIP PANS

GREEN

HALON - These should not be used.

***Flammable metals should only be extinguished using specialist extinguishers.***

***Chip pan fires should be extinguished using a damp cloth or fire blanket or a specialist wet chemical extinguisher***

Fire Blankets

Fire blankets are for use on cooking fires such as chip pan fires.  Turn off the heat (if possible) and simply place the blanket over the fire to smother the flames and starve the fire of oxygen.  Call the fire service by dialing 999, to inspect the pan.  The blanket should be left in place for at least 30 minutes.  If you are unable to tackle the fire, call the fire service on 999, and leave the building, closing all doors behind you.