Ask the Fire Chief: Fire Extinguishers


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Chief Herbert Griffin

Raleigh Fire Chief Herbert Griffin

Fire Chief Herbert Griffin will answer your questions about the Raleigh Fire Department, just ask.

Question: What is the best kind of fire extinguisher for a home?

Answer: Residential structures are composed mostly of wood, along with interior and exterior combustible materials. Therefore, an ABC-type fire extinguisher is suitable for residential use. An ABC extinguisher is recommended for fire involving ordinary combustibles (paper, wood, cloth), flammable liquids, and energized electrical equipment. An extinguisher that is rated for use with multiple hazards should have a symbol for each of those hazard types.

ABC fire extinguishers use monoammonium phosphate, a dry chemical with the ability to quickly put out many different types of fires by smothering the flames. 

Soldhomes.com reports that 75 percent of American homes have at least one fire extinguisher. When fire extinguishers are used correctly, they will limit flame and smoke damage, and even save your home.

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Submit your question to Chief Griffin by visiting the Ask the Fire Chief webpage.

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