What is the general rule for determining the right extinguisher to use?

The general rule for determining the right extinguisher to use is to select the extinguisher that is designated for the class of fire. Fire extinguishers are categorized based on the type of fire they are effective against, such as Class A for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, Class B for flammable liquids, Class C for electrical fires, and so on. Each extinguisher contains specific agents designed to combat the flames of the corresponding class effectively.

Using the appropriate extinguisher for the fire class ensures that the fire is extinguished efficiently and safely. For example, using water on a flammable liquid fire can spread the fire rather than extinguish it. Therefore, understanding fire classes and their corresponding extinguishers is critical for effective fire safety and response.