Fire Extinguisher Types & Colours Australia

Australian fire safety guide

Fire Extinguisher Types, Colours and Uses in Australia

A clear guide to Australian fire classes, extinguisher colour bands,
safe selection and basic operation for homes and workplaces.

Australian terminology
Plain-English guidance
Reviewed June 2026

Download quick-reference chart

Download inspection checklist

Australian colour bands

Fire extinguisher quick-reference guide

Most portable extinguishers in Australia have a red cylinder. A coloured band near
the top identifies the extinguishing agent. Always read the full label because the
fire rating can vary between products.

Band colour	Extinguisher	Common suitability	Main warning
All red	Water	Class A solids	Never use on energised electrical equipment, flammable liquids or cooking oils.
Blue	Foam	Class A and B, subject to label	Do not use on energised electrical equipment unless specifically rated.
White	Dry chemical powder	ABE or BE types; check label	Creates a powder cloud, reduces visibility and may damage equipment.
Black	Carbon dioxide (CO₂)	Class B and electrical equipment	Cold, forceful discharge. Limited cooling means re-ignition is possible.
Yellow	Vaporising liquid	Specialist applications; check label	Not the same as wet chemical. Use only as specified by its label.
Oatmeal	Wet chemical	Class F and sometimes Class A	Designed mainly for cooking oils and fats. Confirm the product rating.

Identify the fuel first

Fire classes used in Australia

The class describes the material that is burning. Choosing an extinguisher without
identifying the fuel can spread the fire or expose the user to electric shock,
flashback, toxic smoke or violent reaction.

Carbon-based solids

Wood, paper, cloth, rubber, many plastics, grass and coal.

Flammable and combustible liquids

Petrol, kerosene, solvents, paints, waxes and some oils.

Combustible gases

LPG, propane, butane, natural gas and acetylene.

Combustible metals

Magnesium, sodium, potassium and some aluminium materials.

Electrical equipment involved

Switchboards, appliances, wiring and other energised equipment.

Cooking oils and fats

Deep fryers, commercial cooking oil, vegetable oil, lard and fats.

Know what is inside

Common fire extinguisher types and uses

Water extinguisher — all red

Water cools burning Class A material. It can be effective on ordinary solid
fuels such as paper, timber and cloth.

Do not use it where electricity, petrol, solvents, cooking oil
or reactive materials may be involved.

Foam extinguisher — blue band

Foam can cool Class A material and form a blanket over some Class B liquid
fires. The blanket helps reduce vapour release and re-ignition.

Avoid disturbing a liquid surface with a forceful discharge. Check the label
and do not assume it is safe on energised equipment.

Dry chemical powder — white band

Powder extinguishers may be labelled ABE or BE.
ABE powder is common because it can cover several everyday risks. BE powder
does not have the same Class A rating.

Powder can obscure vision, affect breathing and contaminate electronics,
machinery and food areas. It also provides limited cooling, so watch for
re-ignition from a safe location.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) — black band

CO₂ leaves no powder residue and is often selected for electrical equipment
and some flammable-liquid risks. It works mainly by reducing oxygen around
the flame.

The horn and discharge can become extremely cold. Never grip an uninsulated
discharge horn. CO₂ can disperse quickly outdoors and the fuel may re-ignite
because there is little cooling.

Vaporising liquid — yellow band

Vaporising-liquid extinguishers are used in selected specialist settings and
may be suitable for some Class A, B and electrical risks, depending on the
product rating.

Older BCF products were withdrawn from general use. Do not confuse the yellow
band with an oatmeal-band wet chemical extinguisher.

Wet chemical — oatmeal band

Wet chemical is designed mainly for Class F fires involving hot cooking oils
and fats. It cools the oil and forms a layer that helps prevent re-ignition.

Apply it exactly as the label and training require. Never throw water onto a
cooking-oil fire.

Emerging risk

Lithium-ion batteries are not a normal extinguisher selection problem

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can release toxic and flammable gases, burn very
hot and re-ignite. Australian fire agencies advise people to evacuate, close doors
if safe, call 000 and avoid breathing smoke or vapour.

Do not assume that a product marketed as a “lithium battery extinguisher” or blanket
has an approved Australian fire classification. Selection for a workplace requires
a competent risk assessment and current official guidance.

Fire and Rescue NSW: battery smoking or on fire

CFA: fire equipment and lithium-ion battery guidance

Stop and assess

Five safety checks before using an extinguisher

Has the alarm been raised?
Warn others, begin evacuation and call 000 when fire services are needed.
Is the fire still small and contained?
Do not attempt a fire that is growing, producing heavy smoke or affecting the exit.
Is this extinguisher clearly rated for the fuel?
Read the label. Do not choose by cylinder colour alone.
Is there a safe escape route behind you?
Never allow the fire, smoke or heat to move between you and the exit.
Are you trained, physically able and confident?
If not, close the door if safe, leave and wait for firefighters.

Basic operation

How to use a fire extinguisher: PASS

PASS is a memory aid for many modern portable extinguishers. Read the extinguisher
label first because equipment and techniques vary.

Pull

Pull the safety pin and break the seal.

Aim

Aim the nozzle or hose towards the base of the fire.

Squeeze

Squeeze the operating handles to release the extinguishing agent.

Sweep

Sweep across the base while keeping the exit available behind you.

Approach only as conditions allow and as the manufacturer’s instructions direct.
Different extinguishers have different discharge ranges, durations and hazards.

Match equipment to risk

Choosing extinguishers for homes, workplaces and vehicles

Home

Place equipment where it can be reached while leaving, not beside the most
likely fire source. A kitchen may also need a suitable fire blanket.

Follow local fire-service advice and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Workplace

Selection, number, rating and location must reflect the actual hazards, building,
work activities and emergency plan.

Use a competent provider and train workers who may be expected to use equipment.

Vehicle, workshop or farm

Consider fuel, machinery, electrical and hot-work hazards. Secure the extinguisher
against vibration while keeping it quickly accessible.

Inspect it after rough travel, impact, corrosion or exposure to harsh conditions.

Ready when needed

Placement, inspection and maintenance

Extinguishers should be visible, identified, unobstructed and positioned so a user
can approach them without moving deeper into danger. Workplace selection and
location should follow the applicable requirements, including current Australian
Standards and building or industry rules.

Simple visual check

Correct extinguisher remains in its assigned location.
Access and signage are clear.
Pin and tamper seal appear intact.
Gauge, when fitted, is in its correct range.
Hose, horn and nozzle appear clear and undamaged.
Cylinder has no serious rust, dents, leaks or heat damage.
Label and operating instructions remain readable.
Inspection or service information is current.

Professional servicing

Workplace equipment should be inspected and maintained by a competent provider
at the intervals and level required by the applicable standard, building rules,
site risks and manufacturer.

Do not rely on a single universal replacement date. Any extinguisher that has
been discharged, damaged, tampered with or exposed to severe conditions needs
prompt assessment.

WorkSafe WA: emergency management and fire protection

Safe Work Australia: emergency plans and procedures

Do not return it to the bracket

What to do after an extinguisher is used

Ensure emergency services have been called when required.
Keep people away from smoke, residue, damaged batteries and hot materials.
Watch for re-ignition only from a safe place.
Report the incident under workplace or property procedures.
Remove the extinguisher from service, even after a short discharge.
Arrange competent recharging, replacement and cleanup.
Review why the fire occurred and whether equipment or training needs to change.

Avoid these errors

Common fire extinguisher mistakes

Choosing by band colour alone

Better habit: read the fire-class rating and full label.

Keeping the extinguisher beside the hazard

Better habit: position it where it can be reached near a safe exit.

Trying to fight a growing fire

Better habit: evacuate early and call 000.

Using water on electricity, oil or petrol

Better habit: identify the fuel and select the correct rated agent.

Turning your back on the exit

Better habit: keep the escape route behind you at all times.

Putting a used extinguisher back

Better habit: remove it from service and arrange replacement or recharge.

Common questions

Fire extinguisher FAQs

What colour is a dry chemical powder extinguisher in Australia?

It has a red cylinder with a white band. Check whether the label
identifies it as ABE or BE powder because their fire-class coverage differs.

What colour is a foam extinguisher in Australia?

Australian foam extinguishers have a red cylinder with a
blue band. Do not rely on overseas charts showing cream.

Which extinguisher is used for an electrical fire?

CO₂ or a suitably rated dry chemical powder extinguisher may be used for some
incidents involving energised electrical equipment. Read the label, isolate
power only when safe and evacuate if there is smoke, battery involvement or a
growing fire.

Which extinguisher is used for cooking oil?

A wet chemical extinguisher carrying the correct Class F rating is designed for
cooking oils and fats. A suitable fire blanket may help with a small contained
pan fire when it can be applied safely. Never use water.

Can one extinguisher be used on every fire?

No. ABE powder covers several common classes, but it is not a universal answer
for cooking oil, combustible metal, lithium-ion battery or specialist chemical
incidents.

How often should an extinguisher be checked?

Perform simple visual checks regularly. Workplace service intervals depend on
applicable standards, site requirements and the manufacturer. Use a competent
provider and arrange immediate assessment after discharge or damage.

Should I use an extinguisher before calling 000?

Do not delay warning others, evacuation or an emergency call. Only attempt a
small fire when it is safe, the correct equipment is available and a clear exit
remains behind you.

Official Australian guidance

Queensland Fire Department: Fire Extinguishers information sheet

Fire and Rescue NSW: Safe Operating of Fire Extinguishers

WorkSafe WA: Emergency management

Safe Work Australia: Emergency plans and procedures

About the author and safety review

Written by

Ken Walker (AU)

Former career firefighter and Station Officer

Fire and emergency service educator with 40 years of career and volunteer experience.

Qualifications: Associate Diploma of Applied Science in Fire Technology; Institute of Fire Engineers studies.

Author profile

Safety reviewed by

Thorian Blackwell (UK)

FireRescue safety reviewer

Reviewed for clarity, Australian context and alignment with official safety guidance.

Reviewer profile

General information only. Follow official warnings, local procedures and manufacturer instructions.