Editing Fire control (section)

==Types of fires and extinguishers==
{{Main|Fire class}}
In the United States and some other countries{{where|date=March 2023}} fires are classified as Class-A, Class-B, Class-C, Class-D, and Class-K; different classifications may exist in other countries. Each class is a specific type of fire that requires a specific control method based on its cause. Understanding the cause is essential so that the correct fire extinguisher is used; if the wrong extinguisher is used, it can either make the fire worse or fail to control it.

For example, using a type A, B, C fire extinguisher on a chemical fire will do the opposite of what the extinguisher is supposed to do and can cause an explosion. The different types of fire extinguishers include CO<sub>2</sub> fire extinguishers, type A, B, or C carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, dry chemical powder extinguishers, and water-based fire extinguishers.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Feb 16|first1=spectrumfire {{!}}|last2=Services|first2=2018 {{!}} Fire Protection|date=2018-02-17|title=Wrong use of fire extinguishers and the consequences|url=https://spectrumforfireprotection.com/blog/wrong-use-of-fire-extinguisher-consequences/|access-date=2020-10-08|website=Spectrum Fire Protection Blog|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-10-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009161634/https://spectrumforfireprotection.com/blog/wrong-use-of-fire-extinguisher-consequences/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Carbon dioxide is released from CO<sub>2</sub> extinguishers to smother the fire and prevent the fire from getting oxygen, which will suppress the fire.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Security|first=Koorsen Fire &|title=Top 5 Things to Know about Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers|url=https://blog.koorsen.com/top-5-things-to-know-about-carbon-dioxide-extinguishers|access-date=2020-10-08|website=blog.koorsen.com|language=en}}</ref> Class A extinguishers are meant to be used on fires that have wood, paper, and plastic, Class B fire extinguishers are meant be used on liquid fires such as oils, gasoline, kerosene, and paint, and Class C fire extinguishers are to be used on electrical equipment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What do the A B C ratings mean on Fire Extinguishers? |url=http://www.brkelectronics.com/faqs/mro/what-do-the-abc-ratings-mean-on-fire-extinguishers#:~:text=Fire%20extinguishers%20with%20a%20Class,in%20these%20types%20of%20materials. |access-date=2020-10-08 |website=www.brkelectronics.com}}</ref> When using a fire extinguisher, it is crucial to understand how the extinguisher works and where to point it. PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) is an acronym to help remember how to use the extinguisher.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.osha.gov/etools/evacuation-plans-procedures/emergency-standards/portable-extinguishers/use#PASS | title=ETool : Evacuation Plans and Procedures - Emergency Standards - Portable Fire Extinguishers - Fire Extinguisher Use &#124; Occupational Safety and Health Administration }}</ref><!--  Spray and sway from the base. -->