Knowledge Hub

All fires are classed into 6 different classes.

Class A – fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper, plastic, rubbish

Class B – fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, oils, paint, thinner

Class C – fires involving flammable gases

Class D – fires involving metals such as potassium or magnesium

Class E – fires involving electrical equipment

Class F – fires involving cooking oils such as in deep-fat fryers

It is important to use the right type of fire extinguisher for each fire class. For example, using a fire extinguisher on Class C and E fires is not recommended, as these types of fires can reignite easily. The best way to handle these fires is to turn off the heat or gas supply and then use a fire extinguisher suitable for Class A and B fires.

1. ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher

   This type of dry chemical fire extinguisher is a multi-purpose fire extinguisher that extinguishes class A, B and C fires. It can be used to put out fires caused by common materials such as wood, paper, plastics, rubbish, textiles, and coats.

   It is suitable for use in places like homes, kitchens, offices, shops, schools, workshops and cars.

2. Water Fire Extinguisher

   This type of fire extinguisher is used to put out class A fires caused by materials such as wood, paper, textiles, rubbish, coal, and textiles.

   However, it should not be used on fires caused by cooking, electricals or flammable liquid.

3. Foam Fire Extinguisher

   This type of fire extinguisher is commonly used to put out class A and B fires, which are caused by materials such as wood, paper, etc.

   It should be placed within 15 meters of reach for quick access in case of a fire.

4. CO2 Fire Extinguisher

   This type of fire extinguisher can be used to put out A, B, E, and F fires.

   • AB fires are caused by materials such as wood, paper, textiles, rubbish, coal, textiles, and cupboards.
   • Class E fires are fires that are caused by electricity.
   • Class F fires are fires involving cooking oil or fat.

The CO2 fire extinguisher should only be used on small contained fires and not for outdoor use.

In short,

Class A Fires - Water/ ABC Dry powder fire extinguishers

Class B - Foam Fire Extinguisher

Class C - ABC dry powdr

Class D - specialist dry powder fire extinguisher

Class E - Co2 Fire extinguisher

Class F -Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher

This is the fire triangle. For a fire to occur, all components, heat oxygen and fuel must be present. Fire extinguishers work by removing one or more factors of the fire triangle and the fire is put out.

A ABC Dry Powder fire extinguisher would usually be the best fire extinguisher for a home in Singapore. It can be used to put out fires caused by common materials such as wood, paper, plastics, rubbish, textiles, and coals.

For home use, it's recommended to choose a fire extinguisher with a size of 1-4kg ( Flats up to 1200sq ft) and 2pc of 3-6kg (Landed properties up to 5000sq ft).

For commercial properties, shops, factories, and garages, a fire extinguisher with a size of 3-6kg is recommended.

To use a fire extinguisher, follow these four steps:

• Pull the pin
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the lever to release the extinguishing agent
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire is out

These steps are often remembered using the acronym "PASS": Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

Keep a safe distance from the fire, only use the extinguisher if it's safe, and make sure it's within 15 meters of reach.

Once you have chosen the ideal fire extinguisher for your needs, it is essential to choose a location for it.

It should be placed in an easily accessible location so that they can be reached quickly in case of a fire. They should also be placed in a location where they will not be obstructed by furniture or other objects.

It is also important to make aware to everyone at home and in the business of the location and how to use it so it can be assessed and used quickly.

We offer training for use of fire extinguishers (book here!)

• For cars, including electric cars, a 1-2kg fire extinguisher is recommended.
• For larger commercial vehicles, such as lorries and trucks, a fire extinguisher with a size of 4-6kg is recommended.

Yes! All our fire extinguishers are tested to withstand temperatures of up to 60degree celcius.

Fire extinguishers should be held firmly in place and out of direct sunlight. Places include under the passenger seat, behind the driver’s seat, glove compartment or secured firmly on the side of the seat via a bracket.

• Recommended extinguishers: ABC Dry Powder 1-2KG for cars, taxis, and vans; ABC Dry Powder 4/6KG for lorries.
• Always call the SCDF department if you spot smoke emitting from the vehicle.
• In case of a fire, pull over, turn off the ignition, and evacuate everyone.
• Small extinguishers for vehicles have a discharge time of 6 to 10 seconds and are only effective on a fire that is just starting. If the fire is too large or out of control, leave the area and call for help.

Remember that having a fire extinguisher in your vehicle can help you respond quickly to a fire and potentially prevent a more serious incident.

5 years.

To make sure your fire extinguisher is in working condition, you should check it once a month. Here are the steps:

• Look for the tamper seals to see if they are in place and intact
• Check that the handle of the fire extinguisher is not bent or damaged

Check the pressure gauge to see if the needle is in the green zone. If it's in the red zone, the extinguisher might not have enough pressure to work properly.

It's important to have your fire extinguisher checked by a trained technician once a year. Under the SCDF Fire Code, it is mandatory for fire extinguishers on commercial properties and recommended for those on residential properties. A yearly service check that the extinguisher is in working condition and a sticker will be given to show it has been checked and is valid for one year. 

Want to book a service? Click here and our team will pick up and drop off your extinguisher to ensure a convenient and fuss-free experience.

When you need to dispose of your fire extinguisher, we will do it for a small fee, with pick up and drop off service available.

However, we will dispose of your old fire extinguisher for free if you purchase a new fire extinguisher from us. We offer a 6-month warranty for the fire extinguisher.

For a flat or apartment up to 1200 square feet, it's recommended to have two 2kg fire extinguishers, one in the kitchen and one in the bedroom or main entrance, so that they are easily accessible in case of an emergency.

For landed properties up to 5000 square feet, it's recommended to have two 3kg fire extinguishers on the ground floor and one for each additional floor.

For your office or shop, you need two 4kg fire extinguishers. For bigger spaces like a car garage, warehouse, or factory, you need a 4-6kg fire extinguisher.

After every use, even if it's not empty, refill your fire extinguisher to make sure it has enough pressure and suppressant liquid to work properly in case of another fire. Also, if your fire extinguisher is damaged, it should be recharged. It's important to follow the recommendations of a trained technician when refilling your fire extinguisher.

A fire blanket is used to put out small fires, like those that start in the kitchen. It's a simple and effective tool for fire safety.

A fire blanket is a tool used to extinguish small fires. It works by cutting off the oxygen supply, which is one of the three elements needed for a fire to occur (along with fuel and heat).

Active Fire’s fire blanket is the most efficient way to isolate and extinguish small fires, kitchen fires and vehicle fires by removing the oxygen supply. It can help to quickly contain and extinguish flames, smoke, and toxic fumes.

If you can't reach a fire extinguisher in time, you can throw a fire blanket over the fire to put it out quickly. It's also a useful tool for the elderly or children who may not be able to use a fire extinguisher. The fire blanket can also be used to cover a person to escape or protect from fire.

If the item is damaged or has defects, it can be returned or exchanged within 30 days.