What is the most common type of fire extinguisher and what can it be used on?

The dry chemical extinguisher is widely recognized as the most common type of fire extinguisher due to its versatility and effectiveness in combating different classes of fires. Specifically, it is designed to handle Class A fires (ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles), Class B fires (flammable liquids such as gasoline and oil), and Class C fires (electrical fires).

This multi-purpose capability makes it a preferred choice for both residential and commercial settings. The extinguishing agent in dry chemical extinguishers often includes monoammonium phosphate, which smothers flames and interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire, making it highly effective across multiple fire classifications.

In contrast, while other types of extinguishers like CO2 or water extinguishers have specific limitations in the types of fires they can safely extinguish, the dry chemical extinguisher's ability to address several fire types enhances its utility and widespread use.