Types of Fires & Corresponding Extinguishers

To choose the right fire extinguisher, you must understand fire classes and match them with the proper type of extinguisher. Safety Hub+1

Fire Class

What It Means

Best Extinguisher Type(s)

Class A

Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth)

Water-type; Foam; Dry powder ABC Safety Hub+1

Class B

Flammable liquids (petrol, oils, paints)

Foam; Dry powder; CO₂ Safety Hub+1

Class C

Flammable gases; also electrical risks

Dry powder; CO₂ (non-conductive) Safety Hub+1

Class F (or K in some systems)

Cooking oils & fats (restaurants, kitchens)

Wet chemical extinguishers Safety Hub

Legal & Regulatory Requirements in Mombasa / Kenya

• The Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA), Cap 236A requires workplaces to provide and maintain adequate means for extinguishing fires. The equipment must be suited to the specific risks in the workplace, clearly visible, accessible, and regularly maintained. Sheriaplex
  
  

• There are also local county regulations: Mombasa County has committed to enforce stricter fire safety inspections, ensure buildings have fire-safety certificates (“Occupation Certificates”), and verify presence of firefighting equipment, exit paths, electrical safety, etc. The Eastleigh Voice News
  
  

What to Consider When Buying Extinguishers in Mombasa

1. Type & Class Match — As above: make sure the extinguisher suits the fire risk (kitchens ≠ regular office equipment, workshops vs. residential).
   
   

2. Certification & Standards — KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards) certification, ISO where applicable.
   
   

3. Capacity & Size — You need big enough quantity/range, but also manageable for users. Fire extinguishers come in sizes like 1 kg, 4 kg, 6 kg, 9 kg, and even trolley units. Imara Workwear+1
   
   

4. Maintenance & Servicing — It’s not enough to install; you need periodic inspection, recharging, pressure checks, possibly refilling. Also staff should be trained.
   
   

5. Accessibility & Visibility — Proper mounting locations, unobstructed, signs or labels so people know where extinguishers are and how to use them.
   
   

Common Local Prices & Options

• Dry Powder (ABC) extinguishers are among the most versatile and popular. E.g. a 6 kg ABC dry-powder model is available in Kenya for roughly KSh 3,800 (- excluding VAT). Secuway
  
  

• Foam extinguishers (e.g. 6 or 9 litres) are used where both solids and liquids pose risk (garages, petrol stations, workshops). Imara Workwear+1
  
  

BlazeShield & Safety Solutions: How We Help

At BlazeShield, we specialize in supplying and servicing fire extinguishers tailored for Mombasa:

• Local knowledge: We understand local building codes, risk patterns (hot, humid coastal climate, high humidity that can affect metal cylinders etc.), and safety standards you must comply with in Mombasa County.
  
  

• Wide range: From small 1 kg extinguishers for cars or motorbikes to large trolleys for warehouses or large kitchens. Including ABC dry powder, foam, CO₂, and wet chemical types.
  
  

• Quality & compliance: All our extinguishers meet KEBS standards; we provide documentation and inspection tags.
  
  

• After-sales service: We also handle refilling, maintenance, staff training, and emergency response planning.