Do I Need Fire Extinguishers in My Home? A Guide

As fellow homeowners, we understand the desire to protect your home by any means necessary. Whether this is through simple changes to your lifestyle, such as making sure not too many appliances are plugged into a single outlet, or through more substantial efforts, such as having smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.

We get it. Although house fires are decreasing, according to the UK Government Home Office, the UK is still seeing over 25,000 house fires every year.

Do you need a fire extinguisher installed in your home? Here are the facts:

The Facts on Fire Extinguishers:

Fire extinguishers are a fairly important consideration for any household, yet many homeowners may not even know the different types of fire extinguishers.

There are several different types of fire extinguishers, each designed for specific kinds of fires:

• Water extinguishers (Class A): Suitable for fires involving wood, paper, or fabrics.
• Foam extinguishers (Class B): Used for flammable liquids like petrol or oil.
• CO2 extinguishers (Class C): Ideal for electrical fires.
• Wet chemical extinguishers (Class F): Best for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats.
• Multi-purpose extinguishers: The multi-class foam fire extinguisher may be used on fires of classes A, B, and C

Most households will benefit from a multi-purpose fire extinguisher that can tackle various fire types, including Class C flames (faulty wiring and electrical equipment), a significant cause of house fires in older homes that have not been properly updated.

A wet chemical extinguisher might also be worth acquiring. In fact, cooking appliances, which tend to involve cooking oils and fats, are the leading cause of accidental fires in the home, accounting for 48% of domestic fires, as per Home Office data.

The Role of Fire Extinguishers: Should You Have One?

So, what role do fire extinguishers play in home fire safety? While devices such as smoke alarms provide early warnings of a fire, fire extinguishers can give you the active ability to prevent the spread of fire when a small one begins to break out.

1. Why Fire Extinguishers Can Be Important

As mentioned, a fire extinguisher allows homeowners to suppress small, contained fires before they spread. We recommend keeping the relevant fire extinguisher in key areas of your home, where the risk of fire is highest, such as the kitchen and garage. However, it’s important to remember that extinguishers are only effective for small, manageable fires, and their use should never delay evacuation if a fire becomes too large.

2. When to use an Extinguisher vs. When to Evacuate

Furthermore, it’s essential to know when to attempt extinguishing a fire and when to prioritise getting out. The UK government’s guide to fire safety in your home puts it simply: if a fire puts you in danger, don’t attempt to extinguish it. Extinguishers should only be used when the fire is in its early stages and there’s a clear exit route available.

What Can You Do to Prevent Fires in the First Place?

It’s worth noting that the likelihood of a house fire increases with certain behaviours and living conditions. For instance, homes with open fireplaces or wood-burning stoves, and those where residents smoke indoors, face a higher risk of causing a fire. Seasonal factors also play a role, with winter months seeing a rise in incidents due to increased use of heaters and festive decorations.

While fires can happen unexpectedly, there are a few key steps homeowners can take to prevent them, which can prevent the need to spend money on fire extinguishers altogether.

1. Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms

One of the most critical lines of defence against house fires is the presence of functioning smoke alarms. The London Fire Brigade recommend placing at least one smoke alarm in any room where even the slightest possibility of a fire can occur. Most importantly, you should ensure you are regularly testing your smoke alarms and replacing batteries after some time has passed. The English Housing Association suggests that 3% of all homes in the UK have none of their smoke alarms in working order, further accentuating the importance of regularly testing and maintaining your smoke alarms.

2. Keep Flammable Items Away from Heat Sources

Common household items like curtains, tea towels, and paper can easily catch fire if placed too close to a heat source. Always keep flammable items well away from open flames, such as gas hobs. A good rule of thumb is to maintain at least a metre's distance between any flammable object and the heat source.

3. Ensure Electrical Safety

As mentioned, faulty wiring or overloaded sockets are key contributors to electrical fires. Have your home’s electrical system regularly inspected by a qualified electrician, particularly if it’s an older property. It’s also essential to avoid overloading power outlets with multiple high-wattage devices. We advise using one plug per socket and discourage the use of adaptors or extension leads for running multiple appliances. If you have to use one of these devices, ensure it is surge protected.

Conclusion: Other Fire Prevention Tools and Methods

While fire extinguishers are a valuable tool, there are alternative methods for tackling small fires that may be even more practical for everyday use, such as fire blankets. BS EN 1869-certified fire blankets are effective for extinguishing kitchen fires caused by cooking oils or for smothering clothing fires.

Unlike fire extinguishers, which require knowledge of their proper use and need regular servicing, fire blankets are simple to use and can be kept in easily accessible areas like the kitchen.

Additionally, focusing on prevention is key to reducing the likelihood of a fire breaking out in the first place. Installing smoke alarms, keeping flammable items away from heat sources, and ensuring electrical safety in the home can significantly lower your fire risk. By taking these proactive measures, you may reduce the need for fire extinguishers altogether, while increasing overall household safety.

Seek Professional Help After a Fire

Ultimately, in the unfortunate event that a fire does occur, it’s crucial to contact a professional fire restoration provider as soon as you can. Fires can cause many visible and hidden dangers, so it’s key to seek out experts as soon as possible.

By hiring professionals, you ensure that the restoration process is carried out safely and effectively, giving you peace of mind during a stressful time.

At CPL t/a Rainbow Restoration, we specialise in fire damage restoration and fire recovery. Our expert team is trained to handle everything from fire and structural cleaning to smoke odour removal, ensuring your home is restored safely and efficiently. We use state-of-the-art equipment to identify and treat fire damage, preventing long-term issues that can occur if fire damage is left.

The sooner you act, the more damage you can prevent. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year to tackle any concerns you may have. You can contact us on freephone: 0800 030 4360 or complete our contact form here.