Fire is one of the world’s most fascinating elements and has clearly played an important role in the survival of mankind. It has kept many a person warm in cold times and has significantly changed our diets. However, there is another side to fire which is less friendly and incredibly destructive. Containing an open fire is a very difficult task and can lead to devastating consequences if you are not successful.

Despite our frequent experiences with fire, we should never underestimate its power. It is understandable that the more experience you have with something, the more accustomed you are to it and the more likely you are to forget about its other qualities. Ever since man first set eyes on this element, we have been fascinated by it and all it brings. However, fire has also destroyed a great deal since it was discovered.

In terms of nature, it has destroyed countless trees and damaged various forests and wildlife. However, its destruction has not been limited to nature, with countless houses and buildings failing to control it, taking many lives in the process. Within minutes a half lit cigarette left on a sofa could become a raging fire that will be uncontainable. Action must be taken swiftly before it becomes out of control.

There is an assortment of equipment available for tackling blazes of all types. Fire alarms for instance, will detect a potentially dangerous situation from the level of smoke and can give you time in order to act and prevent it from developing. One of the most important inventions for tackling fire is the extinguisher. There are several types of extinguisher with different contents for tackling different classes of fire.

For instance, water extinguishers are designed to tackle class A fires involving materials such as wood, paper and textiles. There are also extinguishers that contain foam, which are for use with class A and class B fires that can include petrol and other volatile liquids. The foam smothers the fire sealing it in whilst preventing it from reigniting and spreading. There are also carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, which are incredibly efficient as they are non-toxic, will not damage equipment or fabrics and leave no residue.

Another type of extinguisher contains dry powder, making it a good all-rounder as it is able to tackle class A, B and C fires. It is effective against petrol and volatile liquids and could be utilised in home and work situations. A recent innovation in the industry is the wet chemical fire extinguisher which is ideal for tackling fires caused by cooking appliances. The chemical solution that it contains cools and emulsifies when it comes in contact with burning fats and oils, making it an important addition for any restaurant or takeaway.

With all of these different options available it can be tricky choosing the one which will be most applicable. To do this you should analyse your situation and the most likely cause of a fire and from that you should be able to judge which extinguisher would be the best for you.