What is a foam fire extinguisher used for?

A foam fire extinguisher is commonly used on Class A fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper and textiles, as well as Class B fires involving flammable liquids. It works by forming a cooling blanket over the fire, helping to smother the flames and prevent reignition.

What colour is a foam fire extinguisher?

A foam fire extinguisher is usually identified by a cream fire extinguisher label. Modern extinguishers are typically red with a cream identification band, making them easy to recognise alongside other extinguisher types.

Are there different types of foam fire extinguishers?

Yes. There are different types of foam fire extinguishers, including standard foam models and specialist foam options designed for particular environments or fire risks. The right choice depends on the materials, liquids and equipment present within the building.

What is a chemical foam extinguisher?

A chemical foam extinguisher is an older term often used to describe foam based extinguishing equipment. Modern foam fire extinguishers use foam agents designed to smother and cool certain fire types, but suitability should always be checked against the risks in your premises.

Can foam fire extinguishers be used on electrical fires?

Foam fire extinguishers are not usually the first choice for electrical fire risks unless they have been specifically tested and approved for that use. In areas with significant electrical equipment, CO2 extinguishers are often more suitable. A professional fire extinguisher assessment can confirm the right mix of equipment.

How often should foam fire extinguishers be serviced?

Foam fire extinguishers should usually be serviced at least once every 12 months by a competent engineer. Regular servicing checks the condition, pressure, hose, safety pin, label and overall suitability of the extinguisher.

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Foam fire extinguishers

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Best distinguished by its cream coloured band, a foam fire extinguisher, also known as an AFFF foam fire extinguisher, is an important part of fire safety and protection. Foam fire extinguishers are used for fighting fires caused by organic materials, such as cardboard and wood, as well as flammable liquids such as petrol and paint.

When foam is ejected from an AFFF foam fire extinguisher, it covers the fire like a blanket, helping to suffocate the flames, cool the surface and prevent reignition. Before choosing your fire extinguisher, it’s important to understand your environment and the risks involved so you have the most effective type of extinguisher for your property.

Foam fire extinguisher installation and maintenance

At Hoyles Fire & Safety Limited, we’re backed by the LS Fire Group, meaning we’re able to offer businesses across Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield and nationwide foam fire extinguisher maintenance and commissioning in line with BS 5306 3, with the help of our partner brands.

As accredited and experienced fire safety professionals, you can trust us to provide a comprehensive service that ensures your foam fire extinguishers are installed in line with BS 5306 8, positioned correctly and easy to access when needed.

To find out more about our foam fire extinguishers, or any of our wider fire safety products and services, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.

Foam Fire Extinguishers for Education, Industrial and Managed Buildings

Foam fire extinguishers are commonly used across a wide range of commercial and public sector environments, especially where Class A and Class B fire risks are present. At Hoyles Fire & Safety, we supply, install and maintain foam fire extinguishers for sectors including education, manufacturing, M&E, facilities management, offices, retail, hospitality, healthcare and other business premises.

In schools, colleges, universities and nurseries, a foam fire extinguisher can support wider fire safety provision in areas where paper, textiles, furniture or certain flammable liquids may present a risk. In manufacturing and M&E environments, foam fire extinguishers may be suitable for workshops, stores and operational areas where combustible materials or liquid fire risks need to be considered. For facilities teams, understanding the right types of foam fire extinguishers and where they should be located is key to maintaining safe, compliant premises.

Foam Fire Extinguisher Support Across West Yorkshire and Nationwide

Hoyles Fire & Safety supports businesses throughout West Yorkshire, including Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax and surrounding areas, with wider UK coverage through the LS Fire Group. Based in Elland, our team provides practical support for businesses that need foam fire extinguisher supply, placement, servicing and compliance guidance.

Whether you are reviewing existing extinguishers, replacing outdated units or specifying equipment for a new site, our engineers can help ensure your foam fire extinguishers are suitable for the risks within your building and maintained in line with fire safety requirements.

Fire safety is a responsibility that never rests and we’re here to implement complete fire protection for your business. Get in touch with our industry-leading experts to learn how we prevent fires, protect lives, and ensure compliance for you.

0808 196 4527

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Foam Fire Extinguisher FAQs

What is a foam fire extinguisher used for?: A foam fire extinguisher is commonly used on Class A fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper and textiles, as well as Class B fires involving flammable liquids. It works by forming a cooling blanket over the fire, helping to smother the flames and prevent reignition.
What colour is a foam fire extinguisher?: A foam fire extinguisher is usually identified by a cream fire extinguisher label. Modern extinguishers are typically red with a cream identification band, making them easy to recognise alongside other extinguisher types.
Are there different types of foam fire extinguishers?: Yes. There are different types of foam fire extinguishers, including standard foam models and specialist foam options designed for particular environments or fire risks. The right choice depends on the materials, liquids and equipment present within the building.
What is a chemical foam extinguisher?: A chemical foam extinguisher is an older term often used to describe foam based extinguishing equipment. Modern foam fire extinguishers use foam agents designed to smother and cool certain fire types, but suitability should always be checked against the risks in your premises.
Can foam fire extinguishers be used on electrical fires?: Foam fire extinguishers are not usually the first choice for electrical fire risks unless they have been specifically tested and approved for that use. In areas with significant electrical equipment, CO2 extinguishers are often more suitable. A professional fire extinguisher assessment can confirm the right mix of equipment.
How often should foam fire extinguishers be serviced?: Foam fire extinguishers should usually be serviced at least once every 12 months by a competent engineer. Regular servicing checks the condition, pressure, hose, safety pin, label and overall suitability of the extinguisher.