Fire Extinguishers: Your First Line of Defence Against Fire

Would your business survive a fire emergency today?A fire extinguisher may seem like a simple tool, but in the critical first moments of a fire, it can mean the difference between a minor incident and a devastating loss. Yet, thousands of UK businesses are fined or found non-compliant every year due to neglected or incorrectly managed extinguishers. Don’t let yours be one of them.

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on fire extinguishers — the unsung heroes of fire safety.

Why Fire Extinguishers Matter More Than You Think

Fire extinguishers aren’t just legal requirements; they are essential tools in saving lives, protecting property, and maintaining operational continuity. In fact, the UK Fire and Rescue Services respond to over 150,000 fire incidents annually, and in many of those cases, correctly placed and maintained extinguishers played a key role in damage limitation.

Whether you operate a high-rise building, manage a warehouse, run a school, or own a retail unit, fire extinguishers are your first response before the fire brigade arrives.

The Law on Fire Extinguishers in the UK

According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every commercial premises in England and Wales is required to:

• Provide appropriate fire-fighting equipment (including portable fire extinguishers).

• Ensure equipment is regularly serviced and maintained by a competent person.

• Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment to determine the type and quantity of extinguishers needed.

  
  

Failing to comply can result in hefty fines, enforcement notices, or even closure of your premises.

At Fitzroy Fire Safety Ltd, we help you navigate and comply with all fire extinguisher legislation so you’re fully protected and audit-ready.

Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses

Choosing the correct extinguisher is not optional — it’s critical. Each fire class requires a specific type of extinguisher to be safely extinguished.

Here’s a breakdown of the main fire extinguisher types and where they’re used:

🔴 Water Extinguisher

• Use on: Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles)

• Do NOT use on: Electrical fires or flammable liquids

• Commonly found in: Offices, schools, residential buildings

🟡 Foam Extinguisher

• Use on: Class A & B fires (solids and flammable liquids)

• Do NOT use on: Electrical fires unless specified

• Commonly found in: Warehouses, garages, factories

🟢 CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) Extinguisher

• Use on: Electrical fires and flammable liquids

• Do NOT use on: Cooking oil fires or Class A fires

• Commonly found in: Server rooms, offices, kitchens

🔵 Dry Powder Extinguisher

• Use on: Class A, B, C fires and electrical fires

• Do NOT use in: Confined spaces (causes breathing hazards)

• Commonly found in: Workshops, petrol stations, vehicles

⚫ Wet Chemical Extinguisher

• Use on: Class F fires (cooking oils and fats)

• Do NOT use on: Electrical fires or flammable liquids

• Commonly found in: Commercial kitchens, restaurants, food trucks

  
  

How Many Fire Extinguishers Do You Need?

A general rule of thumb: for every 200m² of floor space, one Class A-rated extinguisher should be present. However, the exact number depends on:

• Size and layout of the premises

• Fire risks identified in your Fire Risk Assessment

• Accessibility and ease of use for staff

  
  

We recommend a free fire extinguisher survey to ensure you’re properly covered — more on that below.

Fire Extinguisher Servicing and Maintenance

Having the right extinguisher is only the beginning. If it fails in an emergency, you’re exposed to legal and physical risk. That’s why the British Standard BS 5306 mandates:

• Annual servicing by a competent engineer

• Visual inspections carried out monthly by staff

• Extended servicing or replacement every 5 or 10 years depending on type

Fitzroy Fire Safety offers full fire extinguisher maintenance contracts — ensuring you’re always compliant and covered.

Common Fire Extinguisher Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

• ❌ Wrong type of extinguisher installed

• ❌ Expired or under-pressure units

• ❌ Blocked or inaccessible locations

• ❌ Untrained staff

• ❌ No signage or instructions

Each of these can be fatal in an emergency — or costly in an inspection. Let Fitzroy Fire Safety audit your setup and eliminate these risks with ease.

Why Choose Fitzroy for Your Fire Extinguisher Needs?

At Fitzroy Fire Safety Ltd, we’re more than a supplier — we’re your fire protection partner. Our certified engineers take the stress off your shoulders, helping you:

• Identify and install the correct extinguisher types

• Stay compliant with UK legislation

• Schedule seamless annual servicing

• Train your team to use extinguishers safely

• Integrate extinguishers into a full fire safety strategy

Every solution is bespoke, every client is protected.

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

Fire doesn’t wait. Why should you?Every day without a compliant extinguisher puts your business, staff, and assets at risk. Whether you need installation, servicing, or a fire safety audit, we’re here to help.

🔥 Get a FREE fire extinguisher survey today.Let Fitzroy Fire Safety assess your needs and provide a tailored, fully compliant solution that protects you.

📧 Email us at Admin@FitzroyFire.co.uk📞 Or call 07794 354838 to book your survey now