Fire extinguishers are an essential safety requirement for businesses, public buildings like schools, and even some homes. Yet despite their importance, many people aren’t aware that different types of fire extinguishers are designed for different uses. Have you ever noticed the colour bands on them? 

Each colour represents a specific purpose and is vital to know in an emergency. In this blog, we’ll break down what each fire extinguisher colour means and how to use them correctly.

The Different Fire Extinguisher Colours 

Wondering what colour fire extinguishers are for what use? A lot of people are in the same thinking boat. So, lets take a look at which colours are labelled and where they can and cannot be used:

In the UK, all fire extinguishers have a red body, but they’re identified by a coloured label or band near the top. Each colour represents a different extinguisher type and its correct use:

 

Red = Water

  • Suitable for solid materials like wood and paper.
  • Not safe for electrical fires or flammable liquids.

Blue = Dry Powder

  • Works on solids, liquids, gases, and electrical fires.
  • Can be messy and reduce visibility indoors, so often used outdoors or in industrial settings.

Cream = Foam

  • Effective on solids and flammable liquids such as petrol or paints.
  • Not suitable for cooking oil or fat fires, or fires involving gas.

Black = CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide)

  • Best for electrical fires and flammable liquids.
  • Doesn’t cool materials, so fires can reignite.

Yellow = Wet Chemical

  • Specifically designed for cooking oils and fats, such as in deep-fat fryers.
  • Also works on wood and paper etc.

 

Why Each Colour Matters

Using the wrong type in an emergency can make the situation worse instead of better. For example, spraying water onto an electrical fire could cause electrocution, while using foam on a hot oil fire could cause the flames to spread.

That’s why the colour bands are so important. They’re a quick visual guide to help you grab the right extinguisher when every second counts. In workplaces and public buildings, fire safety regulations require that staff are trained to recognise these colours and understand their uses.

By learning the differences now, you’ll be better prepared to act safely and effectively if a fire ever breaks out.

metallic fire extinguishers

Need More Advice

At Swift Fire & Safety, we can offer you advice and training on how to use your extinguishers so you can be entirely sure that you would be responsible and most importantly, ready, in a time of need. 

Our service is always needed from customers across the UK whether this be installations, training and more. We have had over 20 years of experience in the industry, so you can be sure you will receive the highest quality reception from our team. 

 

Contact Us Today – Swift Fire & Safety

It is very important to understand what colour fire extinguishers are for what, as choosing the wrong type in an emergency can be dangerous. That’s why we supply high-quality fire extinguishers along with expert guidance, helping individuals, small teams, and large organisations stay safe and compliant. For decades, our trusted equipment and training have supported fire safety for many.

Contact our team today for advice on the right fire extinguishers for your premises.