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Choose and place fire extinguishers

Different fires need different extinguishers. Using the wrong one, such as water on an oil or electrical fire, makes things worse.

How

1. Learn the US classes: A for wood, paper and cloth; B for flammable liquids such as petrol and oil; C for live electrical equipment; D for combustible metals; K for cooking oils and fats. Other countries use different letters, so check the label system where you live.
2. Put a multipurpose extinguisher rated for A, B and C fires on each floor of the house, near exits.
3. Put a B-rated extinguisher by fuel stores and the generator. A CO2 unit (B and C, little residue) suits small fires in the inverter and wiring only.
4. A lithium battery in thermal runaway cannot be put out with a hand extinguisher. The Massachusetts fire service says foam, CO2, dry chemical and Class D extinguishers are ineffective on these fires.
5. For a battery fire: get out, close the door if safe, call the fire service and say a lithium battery is involved. Cells can reignite days later (power-27).
6. Keep a K-class or wet chemical extinguisher or fire blanket in the kitchen for oil fires.
7. Mount extinguishers on walls near exits so you fight a fire with your escape route behind you.
8. Check pressure gauges monthly and have them serviced as the maker says.

Safety: Only fight a fire that is small and contained, with a clear exit behind you. Never fight a battery fire. If in doubt, get out and call for help.

Sources

1. Fire Extinguisher Ratings (Course 718, Fire Prevention Plans). OSHAcademy, accessed 2026-11
2. Advisory: Dangers of Lithium Batteries (memo to fire departments, 6 February 2023). Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, State Fire Marshal (US example), accessed 2026-11
3. What should I do if my battery is smoking or on fire?. Fire and Rescue NSW (Australia), accessed 2026-11

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