If you own or manage a building in the UK, knowing which fire extinguisher to use can save lives and protect property.
There are five main types of fire extinguisher you’ll see most often: water, foam, CO2, dry powder, and wet chemical.
Each one is designed to tackle different types of fire.
But there are also more specialist extinguishers available in the UK, and it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Water Fire Extinguishers (BS EN 3 Red Label)
Best for fires involving wood, paper, and textiles. They’re simple, effective, and widely used in offices, schools, and retail spaces. Never use water on electrical or flammable liquid fires.
Read more about water fire extinguishers
Foam Fire Extinguishers (BS EN 3 Cream Label)
Foam is ideal for flammable liquid fires like petrol and oil and can also tackle solids such as wood and paper. Often used in workshops, garages, and warehouses.
Read more about foam fire extinguishers
CO2 Fire Extinguishers (BS EN 3 Black Label)
Best for electrical fires and safe for use on live equipment because they leave no residue. Common in offices, server rooms, and anywhere there’s sensitive electrical equipment.
Read more about CO2 fire extinguishers
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers (BS EN 3 Blue Label)
Versatile and effective on many types of fire including solids, flammable liquids, gases, and electrics. They can create a lot of mess and reduce visibility, so they’re often used outdoors or in industrial spaces.
Read more about dry powder fire extinguishers
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers (BS EN 3 Yellow Label)
Specifically designed for cooking oil and fat fires (Class F), particularly in kitchens. They cool the oil and create a soapy layer to prevent re-ignition.
Read more about wet chemical fire extinguishers
Specialist Fire Extinguishers
In the UK, there are also specialist extinguishers available, such as:
- Metal Fire Extinguishers (L2 or M28 powder), used for fires involving flammable metals like magnesium or titanium. These are typically found in laboratories and specialist manufacturing.
- Clean Agent Extinguishers (such as Halotron and FE-36 replacements), used in server rooms or archives where minimal damage to equipment is vital.
- Water Mist Extinguishers, which use a fine mist to tackle various fire classes safely, including electrical fires, making them useful in healthcare, heritage, and hospitality settings.
UK Fire Extinguisher Standards
All fire extinguishers in the UK must comply with BS EN 3, the British Standard covering portable fire extinguishers. This standard covers colour coding, design, testing, labelling, and performance requirements.
BS 5306-3 also outlines how extinguishers should be commissioned, inspected, and maintained. Following these standards isn’t just best practice—it’s part of complying with UK fire safety law.
Why It Matters
Choosing the wrong extinguisher isn’t just ineffective—it can be dangerous. For example, using water on an electrical fire can cause electrocution, while using the wrong powder on a metal fire can spread the burning material.
Your fire risk assessment should identify the hazards in your building, so you can select extinguishers to match. Once installed, they need to be serviced annually, and staff should be trained in how to use them safely.
Need Help?
We’ve put together detailed guides on each type of extinguisher, how they work, where to place them, and how to maintain them. Click the links above or get in touch for expert advice on keeping your people and property safe.
