What does a fire extinguisher's "class" designation signify?

A fire extinguisher's "class" designation signifies the type of fire it can extinguish. This classification system is essential for effective fire safety and damage control, as different types of fires require different methods and agents for suppression. The classes are categorized based on the material that is burning: for example, Class A extinguishers are designed for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, Class B is for flammable liquids, Class C is for electrical fires, and so on.

Understanding the class helps individuals quickly select the appropriate extinguisher when responding to a fire, ensuring that the chosen method is effective and safe without risking an exacerbation of the fire.