About
Foam Fire Extinguishers
Foam fire extinguishers are also known as AFFF extinguishers because they contain Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). You can use them to fight Class A fires (flammable solids such as paper, wood, and textiles) and Class B fires (some flammable liquids, such as paint, petrol, and diesel).
Because foam extinguishers are mainly water-based, they cool the fire while the AFFF ingredient creates a barrier between the burning surface and the flames. This smothers the fire and prevents it from re-igniting.
You can recognise a foam extinguisher by the word “Foam” on a cream-coloured label. They are lighter than water extinguishers of the same size, and although the foam leaves a mess, it’s non-toxic.