Which fire extinguishers should you use?

Many people don’t know which kind of fire extinguisher to use in cases of electrical fires, firefighter Mohammad Ali Al Marzouqi said. Some even throw water on the fire without realising that water is a good conductor of electricity.

“In such cases, use only carbon dioxide (CO2)based fire extinguishers. Using liquid or powdered extinguishers can endanger lives,” Al Marzouqi said.

CO2 extinguishers are usually the type provided in computer server rooms. They are also used to put out Class B fires (flammable liquids, such as paint and petroleum).

CO2 extinguishers smother the fire by removing the oxygen that is needed to burn.

Now, we are in the winter season when water heaters are used frequently. Water heaters automatically get switched off, but sometimes a malfunction may prevent this from happening. As a precaution, turn them off after use.”

Mohammad Ali Al Marzouqi | Abu Dhabi Civil Defence