Fire Extinguishers in North Georgia

From Dalton to Dublin & Everywhere in between

Fire Extinguishers for North Georgia Businesses

Fires can happen anywhere in a commercial kitchen, from trash cans overflowing with flammable papers and material to grease-covered gas ranges after the lunch rush. Having a fast solution to sudden flames and smoke is essential to protecting your business from burning down or, at the very least, having to evacuate paying customers for the afternoon. With American Fire Shield, you can get fire extinguishers to douse the flames wherever they might catch.

Our North Georgia clients trust us to supply them with reliable extinguishers ready to use at a moment’s notice in all sorts of kitchen settings, including restaurants and hotels. We value the welfare of your business, which is why our inventory of fire extinguishers is always up to code and highly effective on various types of fires. You can get any brand of extinguisher from us, including brand-new units, and we offer inspections on your current units. Inspections are required on fire extinguishers once a year. We also provide six-year maintenance and hydro-testing to ensure they stay in top condition.

What Are Common Types of Kitchen Fire Hazards?

Every kitchen has common fire hazards that must be dealt with responsibly to minimize the chance of an emergency. With the proper fire suppressing equipment, you can put out the flames when a fire does break out in your commercial space. Here are some examples of the most common types of fire hazards in a kitchen:

"There is grease around the stove due to a fire in Atlanta, GA. "

Grease Fires

Grease can quickly build up in a kitchen and is highly flammable when a fire occurs. Grease residue can be found on many surfaces, such as grease traps, vent hoods, and ducts.

Close view of a damaged electrical outlet that needs repair in Atlanta, GA.

Electrical Fires

A ripped or frayed wire, including those on devices you regularly use and those out of sight, can quickly result in a fire in your kitchen. Overloading an outlet can also lead to smoke and flames.

A man holds a fire extinguisher, providing fire safety awareness in Atlanta, GA.

Flammable Clutter

Busy restaurants and hotels can accumulate boxes and bags from shipments, deliveries, and daily operations. This clutter can act as kindling for a fire and block exits and pathways to safety.

A man cooks on a stove, with flames rising from the burners in Atlanta, GA.

Open Flames

Lit burners can be hazardous when combined with aprons, towels, and other clothes and flammable materials. A loose sleeve can easily catch the flames while your staff hustles to take care of tables and to-go orders.

A Commercial kitchen highlighting fire suppression system in Atlanta, GA

Faulty equipment

Your cooking equipment takes a lot of abuse working in hot and greasy conditions. Please make sure it is regularly cleaned and serviced per national fire code especially behind the cooking line, where the gas hoses often get worn out and leak.

What Are Fire Extinguisher Classes?

Fire extinguisher classes refer to the types of fires each specific extinguisher can combat. Understanding the differences between these classes and having the appropriate fire extinguishers is vital for ensuring safety in your building. Some standard fire extinguisher classes include:

Class A

Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, or plastic. These are the most common types of fires typically found in homes, offices, and schools. Water-based fire extinguishers are often effective in combating these fires.

Class B

These fires contain flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, and grease, and occur in kitchens, garages, or industrial settings. Avoid using water to extinguish Class B fires, as it can spread the flames. Class B extinguishers utilize foam, CO2, or dry chemical agents.

Class C

Electrical failures from appliances or wiring can cause tricky fires, as using water can cause electric shock or spread the fire. Class C extinguishers typically use non-conductive agents like CO2 or dry chemicals to put out these fires safely.

Class D

Flammable metals like aluminum or magnesium often occur in industrial or laboratory environments with metal powders or shavings. Class D fires require extinguishing agents designed for metals, as traditional methods like water or foam can cause violent reactions.

Class K

All commercial building’s fire extinguishers are required by code to be inspected and maintained by a certified technician annually and we provide that service.

What Are Fire Extinguisher Types?​

Fire extinguishers are crucial for putting out fires before they spread, and different types are suited to different fire scenarios. Choosing the correct extinguisher is essential for effectively controlling the fire. Here’s an overview of the most common types of fire extinguishers:

Wet Chemical

Specifically designed for fires caused by cooking oils and fats, typically found in kitchens. Wet chemical extinguishers use a unique solution to cool and saponify the oils, effectively preventing re-ignition in cooking fires.

Dry Powder

Versatile and suitable for multiple types of fires, including Class A, B, and C. Dry powder extinguishers are used for fires involving ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment. They work by smothering the fire and preventing oxygen from fueling the flames.

Foam

Ideal for Class A (combustibles) and Class B (flammable liquids) fires. Foam extinguishers create a barrier between the oxygen and fuel, effectively smothering the fire. They are best suited for areas where flammable liquids like oils, paints, or solvents are present.

Water

Best suited for Class A fires involving ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, or textiles. Water extinguishers work by cooling the fire and reducing the heat. However, you should never use them on electrical or flammable liquid fires.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Used for electrical fires (Class C) and flammable liquid fires (Class B). CO2 extinguishers displace oxygen and cool the fire, making them practical for electrical equipment, computers, or machinery fires.

Each type of fire extinguisher is designed for specific hazards, so it’s important to know which one to use in an emergency. It can help your employees put the fire out quickly and safely, minimizing damage to your business.

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Our simple maintenance process

Step 1

Contact us for a free consultation and quote. We’ll come to your location and give you a quote to keep you safe and compliant.

Step 2

Our friendly staff will help you choose your preferred day and time, and we’ll complete your first maintenance service.

Step 3

Get reliable maintenance for your systems. You can utilize our automated scheduling platform to set up a no hassle service plan where you can set it and leave it.

Scheduling our fire extinguisher service helps prepare you for potential fires and ensures you have the necessary tools and knowledge to respond effectively. It’s essential for keeping your restaurant, hospital, or small business safe and compliant with local regulations.

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Get Protection for Your Business

A man inspecting a fire extinguisher in Atlanta, GA.

The team at American Fire Shield will help you choose and care for the fire extinguishers your business needs. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our selection of protective equipment.

Stay Compliant

All commercial buildings are required by code to have fire extinguishers.

Required Maintenance

A certified technician should complete maintenance on all commercial building fire extinguishers.

Opening a New Business?

We sell new and used fire extinguishers for use in your new business.

Keeping it simple

Customer Stories & Raving Reviews

“I have used American Fire Shield for over 10 years and to me, trust is the most important part of choosing a vendor. They are good folks, they do great work and I will always trust them with my business.”

Zach Thomas, Store #04008
Rockmart, Georgia

What Do the Symbols on a Fire Extinguisher Indicate?

Fire extinguishers are marked with specific symbols crucial for safety. These allow users to quickly identify the proper extinguisher for the fire at hand, especially in emergencies. Here’s what the symbols on a fire extinguisher typically indicate:

Class A (Triangle with an “A”)

A triangle with an “A” symbol indicates effectiveness for fires involving ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, cloth, and rubber. These materials burn easily and are common in homes, offices, and schools.

Class B (Square with a “B”)

If you’re facing fires caused by flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oils, solvents, and paints, a fire extinguisher marked by a square with a “B” symbol is most effective. These fires are common in garages, laboratories, or industrial areas.

Class C (Circle with a “C”)

A fire extinguisher with a circle with a “C” symbol is designed to combat electrical fires. This symbol indicates that the extinguisher is safe for energized electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, or power tools.

Class D (Star with a “D”)

For fires involving combustible metals like magnesium, titanium, and sodium, you should look for an extinguisher that displays a star with a “D” symbol. These fires require specialized extinguishing agents, typically found in industrial or laboratory settings.

Class K (Hexagon with a “K”)

A fire extinguisher showing a hexagon with a “K” symbol is specifically for fires caused by cooking oils, fats, and grease. Often used in commercial kitchens, restaurants, and food preparation areas.

Each symbol ensures that you use the correct fire extinguisher for specific types of fires, promoting safety and reducing risk. Always be sure to check the label and symbols to confirm the extinguisher’s intended use when facing a fire emergency.

What to Do if You Have a Kitchen Fire

Remember, the first action you should take in the event of a kitchen fire is to evacuate people and dial “911,” as your kitchen fire suppression system should automatically deploy. However, there are additional considerations you should know to protect your restaurant, hotel, or other designated cooking area from fire damage:

  • If you have a kitchen hood suppression system, use the “pull station” first. In addition to spraying wet chemicals on the fire, your suppression system will also turn off the heat source and the hood make-up air, suffocating the fire. However, these systems are designed to automatically deploy so you should only activate the system manually if you can do so safely. The pull station should be on your path to exit the building and should only be used if you can reach it safely.
  • Avoid using dry chemical extinguishers on cooking oil fires, as they can cause the fire to spread. Instead, choose a Class K fire extinguisher, as a wet chemical-designed extinguisher is ideal for fighting kitchen fires. A Class K fire extinguisher is designed to act as a backup if you experience any re-flame after the kitchen suppression system discharges.
  • Do not attempt to move the pan or pot while it’s still on fire, as this action could cause the fire to spread to other areas. You should never try to extinguish a large or rapidly spreading fire without calling for help from your local fire department.
  • To make sure your fire suppressing equipment is going to work properly make sure you have a licensed company like American Fire Shield doing preventative maintenance services as required by code.

By understanding what not to do, occupants can effectively use a kitchen fire suppression system and extinguisher to minimize potential damage. In addition to having the proper equipment, learning about fire safety can increase your confidence in knowing how to handle a fire emergency.

How Long Will a Fire Extinguisher Last?

The lifespan of a fire extinguisher varies depending on several factors. Understanding how long a fire extinguisher will last is essential before you need a replacement. Factors affecting a fire extinguisher’s lifespan include the type, usage, and environment. It’s crucial to regularly maintain and service fire extinguishers according to manufacturer recommendations and local regulations to ensure their effectiveness in case of a fire.

Trust Us for Your Professional Fire Extinguisher Service

Regarding knowledge and service for fire extinguishers in Atlanta and the rest of North Georgia, American Fire Shield has you covered. We offer an ample supply of reliable fire extinguishers to protect your business from damage. We sell any brand of fire extinguisher, including new and pre-owned units. We also provide a complete line of fire safety services, including installing kitchen fire suppression systems. Contact us today to learn more about maximizing your business’s fire safety with help from trusted experts.