Which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for fighting various types of fires?

The multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher is designed to tackle a wide range of fire types, making it suitable for various scenarios. It is effective against Class A fires (ordinary combustibles like wood and paper), Class B fires (flammable liquids like gasoline and oil), and Class C fires (electrical fires). The chemical agents used in this type of extinguisher typically include monoammonium phosphate, which acts to smother the fire and prevent re-ignition by coating the fuel.

In contrast, other types of extinguishers have more limited applications. Foam extinguishers primarily target Class B fires by creating a barrier between the fuel and the fire, which makes them less effective on electrical or ordinary combustible fires. Carbon Dioxide extinguishers are also effective on Class B and C fires but may not work as well for Class A fires since they do not cool the burning material. Water extinguishers are mainly used for Class A fires and can be dangerous if applied to other types, such as B or C, due to the potential for spreading fires or causing electric shock.

Therefore, the versatility of the multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher in addressing various fire classifications makes it the most suitable choice among the options presented.