Fire Extinguishers are selected based on the class of fire from which you need to defend, the agent used in fire suppression and the hazard level on site.

Fires are classified as:

1. Class A - Common Combustibles
2. Class B - Flamable Liquids
3. Class C - Electrical Equipment
4. Class D - Combustible Metals
5. Class K - Cooking Media

The fire suppressing agent (Water, Carbon Dioxide, Halatron, Dry Chemicals, Wet Chemicals) within the extinguisher is also an important factor to consider. Some agents are more effective than others when suppressing specific fire classes.

The hazard level (low, moderate, high) on the premises determines the size of the exinguisher required. Determining your hazard level should be done in consultation with Firewatch staff.

For more information on how to select the correct fire extinguisher, please download our guide.

How to Select the Correct Fire Extinguisher

In the province of Alberta, fire extinguishers need to be inspected when initially placed into service, and on a monthly basis thereafter. The initial and monthly inspections may be carried out by an organization's management or an employee designated by management.

For more information on how to perform a monthly fire extinguisher inspection, please download our guide.

Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspection Guide.

The Alberta Fire Code (AFC 2006, Division B, Article 6.2.1.1) also requires fire extinguishers to be inspected on an annual basis by a certfied fire extinguisher servicing company like Firewatch. The purpose of the annual inspection is to "give maximum assurance that a fire extinguisher will operate effectively and safely" when required. The annual inspection is a more thourough examination of fire extinguishers which may include hydrostatic testing to check the strength of the extinguisher cylinder and confirm that no leaks are present.

There are two manufactured classes of fire extinguishers: Rechargable and Non-Rechargable.

Rechargable Fire Extinguishers must be recharged every 6 years or as needed according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 10 Standards. Rechargable extinguishers normally range from mid-sized portable units to the larger wheeled models. You can identify a rechargable fire extinguisher by its gauge which indicates "Recharge / Charged / Overcharged". If the gauge needle is placed in the Recharge or Overcharged area, please bring your fire extinguisher into Firewatch for maintenance. As long as routine inspections are performed the service life-of a fire extinguisher can be extended for an indeterminate number of years.

Non-rechargable Fire Extinguishers according to the (NFPA) Standards have a maximum lifecycle of 12 years. These extinguishers are normally smaller in size, and are typically placed in RV campers, cars and home kitchens. You can identify a non-rechargable fire extinguisher by its gauge which reads "full/empty". A disposable fire extinguisher should be removed from service when either the needle on the gauge indicates Empty, Discard/Replace, or once 12 years from the time of installment has passed - which ever comes first. Maintenance for non-rechargable fire extinguishers is simply replacement.

It is always more cost effective to recharge a rechargable fire extinguisher as opposed to purchasing a new one. Give us a call at to estimate the cost of recharging your fire extinguisher.

Non-rechargable fire extinguishers which have been used or Rechagable fire extinguishers which are damaged or corroded need to be recycled. As fire extinguishers are pressure vessels, they should not be discarded with regular garbage. Most municipalities provide recycling depots that will recylce fire extinguishers. Fees may apply, please check with your local recycling depot. Upon request Firewatch will also recycle fire extinguishers for a nominal fee.