Fire extinguishers can save your life and your boat.

Fire extinguishers are a good example of safety equipment that can save your life and your boat. West Marine offers inexpensive portable fire extinguishers that can put out a small blaze in seconds, provided you can get to the extinguisher, have the right kind of extinguisher and know how to use it. Portable fire extinguishers are cheap and easy to locate all over a boat. Automatic extinguishers are an option for powerboats and sailboats with inboard engines. These self-contained units mount in engine compartments.

Fire Classifications

There are several types of fires that can be encountered on a boat. Most of the boat fire extinguishers that West Marine sells are rated as appropriate to extinguish one or more of the following types of fires:

Class A: Ordinary Combustible Materials. This includes wood, paper, cloth, rubber and some plastics.

Class B: Flammable Liquids. This includes gasoline, oil, kerosene, diesel fuel, alcohol, tar, paint and lacquers.

Class C: Live Electrical Fires. The heat source is usually a live electrical circuit, which is arcing or hot due to overloading. Turning off the electricity will usually result in a Class A fire. Water should never be used to extinguish an electrical fire due to the danger of electrocution.

Class D: Metal Fires. This includes sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and other extremely hot burning chemicals that water may assist in combustion.