What type of fires can an ABC fire extinguisher be used on?

An ABC fire extinguisher is versatile and designed to handle a broad range of fire types, which makes it an essential tool for fire safety. The "A" in ABC refers to ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth; the "B" is for flammable liquids like gasoline and oil; and the "C" signifies fires involving electrical equipment. Thus, an ABC extinguisher can effectively extinguish fires caused by solids (like paper and wood), liquids (like grease and gasoline), and gases (such as propane).

The ability of an ABC fire extinguisher to address multiple categories of fires is critical in both residential and commercial settings, where various materials and equipment may ignite. Understanding this multifunctionality emphasizes the importance of having the right type of extinguisher readily available for different fire hazards.