What does the red-labelled extinguisher put out?

• A. Electrical fires
• B. Wood, Paper, Fabrics
• C. Cooking oils/Fats
• D. Flammable liquids

Answer: (B)

Red-labelled extinguishers are designed for ordinary combustibles—wood, paper, and fabrics. The extinguishing agent is chosen to cool the fuel and bring the temperature down so the fire cannot continue. That makes this type best suited for fires involving those materials. It shouldn’t be used on electrical fires because water-based agents can conduct electricity and create a shock risk, nor on cooking oils or other flammable liquids, where water can spread the ignition rather than extinguish it. For oils or fats you’d use a non-water extinguisher designed for Class F (or kitchen) fires, and for flammable liquids use an appropriate Class B extinguisher.