Fighting the Fire


TYPES OF EXTINGUISHERS Aircraft are primarily equipped with 2 types of extinguishers. They are designed to fight specific types and classes of fire which is why it is important to identify the type of fire you have, before you choose your weapon.


Water or other aqueous based extinguishers are often found on board business aircraft. Designed specifically


for class A fires (A,C,D for aqueous agents), they put out the fire by reducing heat and separating the flame from the fuel source in the fire reaction. Water, under pressure is applied to the fire from a safe distance to extinguish the fire.


Halon is used for A (depending on extinguisher size), B and C fires. It is a highly effective odorless, colorless gas


that puts out the fire by stopping the fire at a chemical level. By altering fire chemically, the oxygen, heat and fuel cannot react and the fire is extinguished.


All fire extinguishers are designed to remove one or more elements from the fire tetrahedron. Quick


recognition, using the proper extinguisher and vigilance will help you not only extinguish the fire, but prevent the fire from coming back.


Below is a list of additional types of extinguishers you may see in the hangar or on the aircraft.


Water based extinguishing agents extinguishes fire by cooling and eliminating heat from the fire.


Rated for Class A fires.


Aqueous based / Firebane extinguishing agents extinguishes fire by cooling and eliminating heat from the fire.


Rated for Class A , B, D fires.


Carbon Dioxide - Not Typical in Aircraft extinguishes fire primarily by cooling and displacing oxygen from the fire.


Rated for Class B and C fires.


Dry Chemical - Not Typical in Aircraft extinguishes fire primarily by removing oxygen from the fire.


Rated for Class A, B, C fires.


Halon extinguishes fire by molecular separation of oxygen from the process of fire (chemical disruption).


Rated for Class A, B, C fires, depending upon the extinguisher size.


13 Inflight Fire and Smoke


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