A fire extinguisher is a first-response safety tool used to control small fires before they spread and become larger. It contains chemicals or gases that interrupt the combustion process. Having the proper fire extinguisher in your shop, office, home, or vehicle helps reduce injury risks, property damage and business interruption. To use it effectively, you need to understand the different types of fire and select the appropriate extinguisher for each situation. This ensures safety compliance and practical readiness in case of emergencies.
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The purpose of a fire extinguisher is to control or suppress a fire during its early stage. Most fires begin small. If addressed immediately, they can often be handled without the need for fire services. A fire extinguisher helps you:
Stop a fire before it spreads to nearby materials.
Reduce the risk of smoke inhalation and burns.
Limit damage to property, machinery and inventory.
Maintain safety in crowded places such as shops, hospitals, schools and workplaces.
In India, the presence of a fire extinguisher is mandatory under various building, factory and workplace safety regulations. Many local fire departments and insurance providers also require operational extinguishers on-site to approve business permits and fire compliance certificates. A simple fire cylinder on a wall can prevent losses worth lakhs or crores.
How Does a Fire Extinguisher Work?
A fire extinguisher works by removing one or more elements of the combustion triangle: heat, fuel and oxygen. For example:
Water-based extinguishers reduce heat.
COâ‚‚ extinguishers remove oxygen from the burning zone.
Dry powder extinguishers disrupt the chemical reaction between heat and fuel.
When you operate a fire extinguisher, you generally follow the PASS method:
Pull the pin.
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle.
Sweep side to side until the fire stops.
This method enables the extinguishing chemical to reach the point where the fire originates, not just where the flames appear. Using a fire extinguisher correctly increases the chances of completely extinguishing the fire rather than merely temporarily reducing it.
Extinguisher Price in India
The price of the extinguisher varies depending on its size, type, and brand. Below is a general price range in the Indian market:
Prices may vary by certification grade, size (2 kg, 4 kg, 6 kg, 9 kg), refilling charges and BIS/ISI approvals.
Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses
Different fires require different extinguishing agents. Here are the main fire extinguisher types and their uses:
Extinguisher Type
Suitable Fire Classes
Common Use Cases
Water-Based (Class A)
Solid materials like paper, wood or fabrics
Schools, homes, offices
Foam (Class B)
Flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, and paints
Workshops, garages, fuel stations
COâ‚‚ Fire Extinguisher (Class C)
Electrical equipment and electronic panels
Server rooms, offices, and laboratories
Dry Chemical Powder (ABC / DCP Fire Extinguisher)
Multi-purpose use on Class A, B and C fires
Factories, warehouses, homes
Wet Chemical (Class K/F)
Cooking oil and grease fires
Commercial and industrial kitchens
There are also gas fire extinguisher categories and automatic fire extinguisher systems that activate when heat reaches a certain level. A fireball extinguisher is a small, throwable device designed for quick household use.
Knowing the types of fire is essential before choosing a fire extinguisher. Fires are categorised based on fuel type:
Fire Class
Fuel Source
Example Scenarios
Recommended Extinguisher
Class A
Paper, wood, textiles
Office paper burning
Water, DCP
Class B
Petrol, diesel, oils, chemicals
Paint storage area fire
Foam, DCP
Class C
Electrical fires
Short circuit in cables
COâ‚‚ or a fire extinguisher for an electrical fire
Class D
Metals like magnesium, aluminium
Factories and workshops
Specialised dry powder
Class K/F
Cooking oils and fats
Restaurant kitchen fire
Wet chemical extinguishers
Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can make a fire more dangerous instead of controlling it. For instance, spraying water on an electrical fire can result in electric shock, while using it on an oil fire can cause the flames to spread rapidly. This is why businesses need to select fire extinguishers that are specifically suited to the fire hazards present in their premises.
Importance of Fire Extinguishers in Workplaces
Workplaces often include flammable materials, electrical systems, machinery and constant activity, which raises the chance of accidental fires. A fire extinguisher helps manage these risks and supports workplace readiness.
Meets Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Indian fire safety laws require businesses to install the right fire extinguishers based on their operations. Codes such as the NBC, State Fire Department rules and Factory Act guidelines set baseline requirements. Meeting these standards helps you maintain licences, insurance validity and inspection compliance.
Reduces Injury and Fatality Risks: Quick access to a working fire extinguisher helps reduce burn injuries, smoke inhalation and other medical emergencies. When employees know how to respond in the first few seconds, the chances of life-threatening situations decrease. This is especially relevant in workplaces that manage electrical systems, flammable chemicals, cooking equipment or welding tools.
Minimises Property Damage: Uncontrolled fires can cause significant damage to machinery, stock, documents, digital assets, and building structures. A fire extinguisher allows the fire to be controlled before it spreads, preventing high repair costs and equipment replacement expenses. Even a small fire can result in considerable financial loss if not handled immediately.
Maintains Business Continuity: A fire incident often results in suspended operations, client delays and cash flow disruptions. Using a fire extinguisher promptly helps your organisation resume work more quickly and avoid prolonged shutdown periods. This reduces loss of revenue and protects reputation.
Supports Employee Confidence: When employees see safety equipment maintained and ready for use, they feel more secure in their environment. This encourages awareness, calmness during emergencies and responsible workplace behaviour. Safety readiness contributes to a positive and disciplined workplace culture.
Maintenance and Inspection Tips
A fire extinguisher must be regularly maintained and inspected to ensure it remains in operational condition. Even a high-quality unit can fail if it is not regularly checked. Routine care keeps the extinguisher pressurised, accessible and ready for emergency use.
Monthly Visual Checks
Conduct a basic inspection every month. Check the pressure gauge to ensure the indicator remains in the green zone. Check that the hose or nozzle is not blocked, cracked or bent. Ensure the body of the extinguisher shows no dents, rust patches, or signs of leakage. The extinguisher should be mounted securely and clearly visible, not blocked by furniture or equipment.
Seal and Safety Pin: Each fire extinguisher comes with a safety pin and a tamper-evident seal. These should remain intact. If the pin is missing or loose, the extinguisher may have been used or disturbed. Replace the seal immediately and schedule a professional check.
Expiry and Refilling Schedule: Extinguishers have expiry dates or recommended refilling intervals. Once the chemical loses effectiveness or the pressure reduces, the extinguisher becomes unreliable. Mark servicing dates clearly on the cylinder tag.
Annual Servicing: A licensed technician should conduct a thorough inspection at least once a year to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance. This includes internal pressure testing, chemical replacement if needed and verifying the condition of dispensing components. This servicing also allows documentation for safety audits.
Employee Training: A fire extinguisher is only practical when staff know how to use it. Display simple usage steps near the unit and conduct periodic, brief training sessions.
Fire Extinguishers and Fire Insurance: How Do They Connect?
Fire Insurance in India evaluates how prepared your workplace is to control accidental fires. A properly installed and maintained fire extinguisher helps insurers assess lower risk, which can influence policy approval and claim outcomes. It demonstrates that your business has taken proactive steps to limit damage, protect staff, and reduce operational disruption.
How Fire Extinguishers Influence Fire Insurance?
Lower perceived risk for insurers
Better eligibility for commercial fire insurance policies
Stronger claim support due to visible safety measures
Reduced damage during incidents, helping operations resume faster
Supports long-term business continuity through preventive protection
Conclusion
A fire extinguisher is a basic yet effective safety tool. Knowing what a fire extinguisher is used for, understanding the types of fire and selecting the correct extinguisher helps you respond confidently during emergencies. Whether you manage a shop, office, warehouse or factory, identifying the proper fire extinguisher types for your environment protects people, equipment and property.
Regular maintenance, periodic training and awareness keep your workplace prepared. For businesses, safety is part of operational stability. Preparedness today prevents losses tomorrow.
Disclaimer: Above mentioned insurers are arranged in alphabetical order. Policybazaar.com does not endorse, rate, or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by an insurer.
I am using a fire insurance policy from policybazaar and experienced amazing feedback from them in claim settlement. I have a sports merchandise shop that caught fire last yearI raised a claim which was resolved within a few days without any hassles.
Thiruvananthapuram
4.8 October 08, 2022
Balachandar
Helpful Support
The support team of Policybazaar is really helpful and prompt. They solve all your queries fast. Would definitely recommend Policybazaar for purchasing insurance .
Mangaluru
4.8 October 07, 2022
Raahim
Extensive Cover
Got a fire insurance policy for my shop and it was really extensive with so many features. Purchased it from Policybazaar without paying any commission fees. Great coverage.
Bengaluru
4.5 October 06, 2022
Aadi
User Friendly Website
We deal in the cotton industry and suffered a huge loss last year because of the fire. We were looking for insurance to safeguard us financially from any such incident in the future. We landed on the policybazaar website and bought fire insurance. Their website is well managed and gives all the necessary information.
MP
4.8 October 05, 2022
Rohit
Plans Are In Budget
Had to purchase a fire insurance which should be in my budget as I run a very small store. Got a lot of affordable plans on Policybazaar and purchased the one that suited my budget. All plans are in budget and with so many features.
Bhopal
4.3 October 04, 2022
Baban
Covered My Shop
I have a shop of garments and it caught fire last year in which I lost items worth thousands. Purchased a fire insurance from Policybazaar and now I feel really relieved that it would financially cover my shop in such circumstances.
Chandigarh
4.3 October 03, 2022
Aarnav
Faster Claim Settlement
A part of my warehouse having thousands of material caught fire. Luckily I had a fire insurance policy that I could claim and received compensation from them. It was such a relief. The claim settlement team at Policybazaar is helpful and really quick.
Assam
4.5 October 02, 2022
Jagadish
Affordable
I have a warehouse of clothes and was planning to buy a fire insurance policy to cover my material from unwanted fire. Got a really affordable plan from Policybazaar with some really great features.
Ahemdabad
4.5 October 01, 2022
Rahul
Budget Friendly
Wanted to cover my crockery shop from fire and was searching for an affordable plan. Found a great plan at Policybazaar which suited my budget.
Surat
4.5 September 30, 2022
Baabul
Instant Purchase
Wanted a fire insurance policy for my crockery business and could purchase it instantly from Policybazaar. The process was quick instant and very easy.
*Premium varies on the basis of Occupancy, Business Activity & Coverage Type
. The premium of Rs 3400/year (Rs 283.33 / month) is for a pucca building with sum insured of Rs 50 lakh at selected locations, for property age less than 25 years and policy term of 1 year, rounded off to nearest 10. Additional premium is payable for the optional covers including contents opted. STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale. By clicking on "View Plans" you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use and also provide us a formal mandate to represent you to the insurer and communicate to you the grant of a cover. The details of insurance coverage, inclusions and exclusions are subject to change as per solutions offered by insurance providers. The content has been curated based on the general practices in the industry. Policybazaar is not responsible for the factual correctness of these details.
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