Fire Extinguishers

Every home should have at least one portable fire extinguisher and it should be kept in a handy location. Everyone in the family should know where the extinguishers are located and how to use them.

An ABC multi-purpose portable fire extinguisher will extinguish the three major classes of fire and is the best type of portable fire extinguisher to have in your home. The three major classes of fire are;

• Class A – Ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper and cloth.
• Class B – Flammable liquids such as gasoline, cooking oils and grease.
• Class C – Anything energized with electrical current.

Training and demonstration classes are provided to the public. Classes include discussion of the different types of fire and the correct extinguisher to use on each. Also included are the determining factors to choose whether or not to attack the fire and if so, the methods employed. Participants are provided an opportunity to use a fire extinguisher on a controlled burn.

All commercial occupancies are required to provide portable fire extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be placed in a readily accessible, conspicuous location and shall be mounted not more than five feet above the floor. A travel distance not exceeding 75 feet shall apply to the placement of most extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall also be currently inspected by a Texas licensed fire extinguisher company.

Most commercial occupancies will meet code requirements if portable fire extinguishers of at least the 2A 10B:C rating are installed. Occupancies which involve flammable liquids, vehicle storage, vehicle maintenance and cooking operations shall require specialized or increased size extinguishers and shorter travel distances.

For more information on fire extinguishers, please contact Fire Prevention at 512 930-8453 or 512 930-2542.