What type of fire extinguishers are commonly used by HFD?

The commonly used fire extinguishers by the Houston Fire Department are ABC extinguishers, which are versatile and designed to handle a variety of fire types. The designation "ABC" indicates that these extinguishers can effectively combat fires involving ordinary combustibles (class A), flammable liquids (class B), and electrical fires (class C). This makes them ideal for general firefighting needs, as they cover a wide range of potential fire scenarios, which is crucial in urban environments where different classes of materials are often present.

While water extinguishers are useful for class A fires, they are not effective against flammable liquids or electrical fires, limiting their utility. D-class extinguishers are specific for combustible metals, which are not commonly found in most residential or commercial fire situations. Foam extinguishers are specialized for chemical fires, particularly those involving flammable liquids, but again, they don’t address the broader range of fire risks. Therefore, the ABC extinguisher is the best choice for comprehensive coverage in firefighting situations that the HFD encounters.