What is an important consideration when selecting fire extinguishers for different types of fires?

When selecting fire extinguishers for different types of fires, fire class compatibility is crucial. Each fire class represents different types of materials that can ignite and cause a fire. For example, Class A extinguishers are designed for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, while Class B extinguishers are intended for flammable liquids, and Class C extinguishers are aimed at electrical fires.

Using a fire extinguisher that is not compatible with the class of fire can lead to ineffective suppression and potentially exacerbate the situation. For instance, using water-based extinguishers on certain flammable liquids (Class B) can cause the fire to spread due to the liquid's flammability. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of the fires an establishment may face and selecting extinguishers that effectively combat those specific classes is vital for safety and compliance with standards such as NFPA 10.