NEVER attempt to fight a fire that is out of control. In situations where fires are small or contained, fire extinguishers may be an option.  The types (classes) of fuels that feed fires can vary, and the extinguisher required to put them out varies as well.

The three major classes of fuel for fires are as follows:
A — common combustibles, such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, trash and plastic
B — flammable liquids, such as oil, paints and solvents
C — electrical equipment, such as wiring, fuses, appliances and motors

Fire extinguishers are labeled with the letters A, B and C to let you know the types of fires they extinguish. Do not attempt to put out a fire with an extinguisher that was not designed for that type of fire.

The average home should have a multi-purpose ABC-type extinguisher on each level of the home, plus an extinguisher (BC type) for the cooking area.  BC-type extinguishers cause less damage to appliances and furniture finishes and are preferred for kitchens.