Why Choose a Water Fire Extinguisher

In this article, we look at the advantages, and limitations, of water fire extinguishers and how to use one.

Whenever you close your eyes and think about a fire being put out, chances are you either think of a cartoon character throwing buckets of water at the flames or you think of a fireman shooting water from a large hose. It’s with good reason that water is a go-to choice for fire extinguisher, they are often cheaper than other types of extinguisher, easy to use and easy clean up.

Water fire extinguishers typically come in two sizes, 6 litre and 9 litre, and are very effective on ‘class A fires’. This means that they are only safe to use on fires that wood, paper or textile based. A typical example of a class A fire is if someone dropped a cigarette into a waste paper bin. There are no electrical appliances in the bin, so the water extinguisher is safe to use.

Because water extinguishers are so popular, they may often be the go-to choice for someone in a panic looking to put out a fire, however your staff should be educated that they are not to be used on fires where electrical appliances or flammable liquids are present as this may make matters worse. We often hear of stories where people panic and forget that electric and water do not mix. If you are unsure what extinguisher would be best for you or your business, please give us a call and we will happily advise you on the most suitable option.

How to use a water fire extinguisher

Water extinguishers can be a bit heavier than many people expect and can be a little cumbersome, so many people start with the extinguisher stood upright on the floor and follow the standard process:

• Break the tamper-evident tag by pulling the pin
• Aim the hose at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the levers together 
• Move the hose side-to-side in a gentle, sweeping motion