Color codes of fire extinguishers

A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e. no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire department. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discha nternationally there are several accepted classification methods for hand-held fire extinguishers. Each classification is useful in fighting fires with a particular group of fuel. [edit] Australia Type Pre-1997 Current Suitable for use on Fire Classes (brackets denote sometimes applicable) Water Solid red Solid red A Foam Solid blue Red with a blue band A B Dry chemical (powder) Red with a white band Red with a white band A B C E Carbon dioxide Red with a black band Red with a black band (A) B C E F Vaporising liquid (not halon) Red with a yellow band Red with a yellow band A B C E Halon Solid green No longer produced A B E Wet chemical Solid oatmeal Red with an oatmeal band A F In Australia, yellow (Halon) fire extinguishers are illegal to own or use on a fire, unless an essential use exemption has been granted.[8] rged to extinguish a fire.