At Home
For most homes, a multi-purpose "all fires" water additive extinguisher such as Firexo in the hallway or kitchen, plus a fire blanket in the kitchen, is a sensible set-up. Firexo is BSI (British Standards Institution) Kitemarked for Class A, B and F fires, and has passed the dielectric test for accidental contact with live electrical equipment – check the product information for the size you choose. Working smoke alarms matter most of all.
We don't recommend foam extinguishers for homes, because of the expected changes to foam rules (see Which Fire Extinguisher Do I Need?).
An extinguisher at home is for tackling a very small fire or helping you escape. If in doubt, get out, stay out and call 999.
Letting Out Your Home
If you let your home or a room to paying guests – for example as a holiday let or through Airbnb – fire safety law applies, and you'll need a fire risk assessment. There's official guidance for hosts:
- England: A guide to making your small paying guest accommodation safe from fire (GOV.UK)
- Wales: Making your guest accommodation safe from fire (GOV.WALES)
- Scotland: Short-term lets (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service)
- Northern Ireland: Small Bed and Breakfast Premises Fire Safety Guide (Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service) and Small Self-Catering Premises Fire Safety Guide (Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service).
In the Car
A small extinguisher – dry powder, or an all-fires water additive extinguisher such as Firexo – is the usual choice, as it works on fuel and electrical fires. Fix it securely with a bracket so it can't roll around, and keep it where the driver can reach it.
A vehicle extinguisher is for a fire that's only just starting. If the fire is under the bonnet, don't open it fully – that lets in air and feeds the fire. If the fire is growing, move well away from the vehicle and call 999.
Vans, Minibuses, Buses and Trucks
Commercial and passenger vehicles may have their own rules on fire extinguishers, for example:
- ADR (the international rules for carrying dangerous goods by road) – vehicles carrying dangerous goods. See the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on crew and vehicle requirements.
- PCV/PSV (passenger-carrying and public service vehicle rules) – buses, coaches and many minibuses.
- Taxis and private hire – often set by the local licensing authority.
Check what applies to your vehicle and how it's used.
On a Boat
On most UK inland waterways, the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) sets the safety standards boats must meet, including fire extinguishers on hire and other non-private boats – see BSS Part 6: fire prevention and extinguishing equipment. Your insurer may have its own requirements too.
Worth remembering… your fire risk assessment is what decides the equipment your premises need. This guide is general advice, not a substitute for it.
Not sure what you need? Get in touch with our team – we'll be delighted to help. No pressure. No sales patter.