GITNUXREPORT 2026

Fire Extinguisher Statistics

Fire extinguishers evolved from 1723 gunpowder models to modern multi-class lifesaving devices.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

The first modern fire extinguisher was invented in 1723 by Ambrose Godfrey, consisting of a cask of fire-extinguishing liquid with a pewter chamber of gunpowder above it

Statistic 2

In 1818, George William Manby patented a fire extinguisher using pearl ash (potassium carbonate) dissolved in water, pressurized with air, marking the first portable extinguisher

Statistic 3

The Pyrene Manufacturing Company introduced the first carbon tetrachloride extinguisher in 1904, which became widely used until health hazards were discovered in the 1930s

Statistic 4

Alexander Wright patented the soda-acid extinguisher in 1881, using sodium bicarbonate and sulfuric acid to produce CO2

Statistic 5

In 1928, the cartridge-operated extinguisher was introduced, improving on the stored-pressure model by using a separate cartridge for reliability

Statistic 6

The first dry chemical extinguisher using sodium bicarbonate was developed in 1940s by DuPont, revolutionizing multi-class fire suppression

Statistic 7

Halon 1211 extinguishers were first mass-produced in the 1950s for aircraft use due to their clean agent properties and no residue

Statistic 8

In 1969, the Montreal Protocol began phasing out halon due to ozone depletion, leading to FM-200 as a replacement by 1994

Statistic 9

The first water mist extinguisher was certified by UL in 1995, offering a safer alternative to high-pressure water for electrical fires

Statistic 10

Wet chemical extinguishers for kitchen fires were standardized in the 1990s using potassium acetate to saponify grease

Statistic 11

The first modern fire extinguisher was invented in 1723 by Ambrose Godfrey, a celebration gunpowder maker, using gunpowder to burst a container of extinguishing liquid

Statistic 12

William B. Channing patented the first US extinguisher in 1834, a 3-foot copper cylinder with vinegar and powder

Statistic 13

In 1872, Francois Carlier improved soda-acid extinguishers with a plunger mechanism for safer activation

Statistic 14

Thomas O. Juff patented the foam extinguisher in 1904 using licorice root extract for stability

Statistic 15

By 1911, Pyrene's CTO4 extinguisher was standard on US Navy ships, extinguishing 10x faster than water

Statistic 16

Copper-chloride extinguishers peaked in 1920s but banned in 1950s for phosgene gas toxicity

Statistic 17

ABC dry chemical patented in 1954 by Keyser, using ammonium phosphate for triple-class coverage

Statistic 18

Halotron I introduced in 1993 as halon replacement, zero ODP, for military aircraft extinguishers

Statistic 19

Lithium battery extinguishers developed in 2010s for EVs, using aerosol F-500 for thermal runaway

Statistic 20

Aerosol extinguishers like Stat-X gained UL approval in 2002, condensing agent for total flooding

Statistic 21

Global fire extinguisher market valued at $8.5 billion in 2022, projected to reach $12.3 billion by 2030 at 4.8% CAGR

Statistic 22

North America holds 35% of global extinguisher market share in 2023, driven by strict OSHA/NFPA regulations

Statistic 23

China produced 45 million portable extinguishers in 2022, 40% of world output, per industry reports

Statistic 24

Commercial segment accounts for 55% of extinguisher sales, residential 30%, industrial 15% globally in 2023

Statistic 25

Dry chemical extinguishers comprise 60% of market revenue, water-based 20%, others 20%, 2023 data

Statistic 26

US installs 25 million extinguishers yearly, with 80 million in service across 5 million commercial buildings

Statistic 27

Europe mandates extinguishers in all vehicles over 3.5 tons, boosting sales by 12% post-2020 regulations

Statistic 28

Kidde holds 25% US market share, Amerex 15%, Ansul 12% in portable extinguishers 2023

Statistic 29

In 2022, 72% of US households had at least one extinguisher, up from 65% in 2015, NFPA survey

Statistic 30

Developing Asia-Pacific region grows at 6.2% CAGR due to urbanization, 2.1 billion urban pop by 2030

Statistic 31

Market penetration: 92% EU commercial buildings vs 78% US due to regs, 2023 Statista

Statistic 32

India extinguisher sales up 15% YoY to 8 million units 2023, urbanization drive

Statistic 33

Aerospace segment $1.2B in 2022, Halon alternatives dominate 70%

Statistic 34

Recycling: 65% steel extinguishers recycled, saving 1.5M tons CO2 yearly global

Statistic 35

E-sports venues require 2x extinguishers per 1000 sq ft, boosting niche market 20%

Statistic 36

Brazil mandates extinguishers in all homes >80 sq m, sales 12M/year

Statistic 37

Smart extinguishers with IoT monitoring: 5% market penetration 2023, projected 25% by 2028

Statistic 38

Africa market $450M 2023, CAGR 7.5% from mining/oil sectors

Statistic 39

Online sales 28% of total, Amazon top seller with 4M units 2022 US

Statistic 40

NFPA 10 reports that 80% of commercial fires are extinguished by extinguishers if used within first 2 minutes

Statistic 41

OSHA data shows trained employees extinguish 90% of small workplace fires using portable extinguishers annually

Statistic 42

In residential settings, extinguishers reduce fire damage by 75% when used early, per USFA studies on 50,000 incidents

Statistic 43

Discharge time for 5-lb ABC extinguisher averages 12-18 seconds at 100 psi, covering 10-15 ft stream

Statistic 44

CO2 extinguishers reach -20°F surface temp on fires, reducing re-ignition by 95% on Class B fuels

Statistic 45

PASS technique: Pull pin, Aim low, Squeeze lever, Sweep side-to-side, succeeds in 85% of training drills per Red Cross

Statistic 46

40% of fire deaths occur where extinguishers were present but not used due to lack of training, per NFPA 2018 report

Statistic 47

Extinguishers under 10 years old perform at 98% reliability in UL tests on 1,000 units

Statistic 48

In vehicle fires, extinguishers control 70% of engine compartment blazes under 5 sq ft, DOT data

Statistic 49

Kitchen extinguishers suppress 92% of grease fires under 2 minutes if within reach, per NFPA 96 analysis

Statistic 50

UK fire stats show extinguishers used in 25,000 non-fatal incidents yearly, saving £500M damage

Statistic 51

In Australia, 65% of factory fires under 1 sq m controlled by extinguishers per Brigades data

Statistic 52

Average extinguisher life 12 years with maintenance, 20% fail recharge post-use if delayed

Statistic 53

Training increases use rate from 20% to 75% in office simulations, Harvard study 500 participants

Statistic 54

Vehicle extinguishers suppress 82% of dashboard fires in 30 seconds, AAA tests on 200 cars

Statistic 55

Electrical fires: dry chem succeeds 88%, CO2 92%, water 0%, per EPRI lab tests

Statistic 56

1 in 5 home fires spreads beyond kitchen without extinguisher intervention, NFPA 2021

Statistic 57

Refill after 10% discharge; full test shows 5% agent loss causes 40% range drop

Statistic 58

Wind >15 mph reduces effectiveness by 50%, sweep technique adjusts for 70% control

Statistic 59

Annual US workplace extinguisher uses: 1.2 million, 95% successful on incipient fires, BLS data

Statistic 60

NFPA 10 mandates monthly visual inspections, catching 60% of defects like low pressure before failure

Statistic 61

Hydrostatic testing every 5-12 years per DOT prevents 99% of rupture failures, OSHA records 1980-2020

Statistic 62

ABC powder residue is corrosive, requiring cleaning within 24 hours to avoid 80% of equipment damage

Statistic 63

Store extinguishers 3.5-5 ft high, avoiding temps over 120°F or below 40°F for 95% reliability, per manufacturer specs

Statistic 64

25% of extinguishers fail due to clogged nozzles from dust; shake monthly prevents this, IFSEC report

Statistic 65

Pressure gauge must be in green zone; 15% out-of-service annually from gauge issues, FM Global data

Statistic 66

Tag dated inspections required; 70% compliance reduces liability claims by 50%, insurance studies

Statistic 67

Dry chem extinguishers need recharge after any use, even partial, to maintain 100% seal integrity

Statistic 68

Avoid mounting near exits; improper placement causes 30% non-use in evacuations, per USFA

Statistic 69

12-year service interval for dry chem, pressure test destroys 2% units revealing cracks

Statistic 70

Corrosion on steel bodies: 18% failure mode, zinc coating extends life 3x

Statistic 71

Operating temp range -65°F to 120°F for most, narrows range 20% outside specs

Statistic 72

Bracket failure causes 12% drops; seismic-rated mounts required in CA zones

Statistic 73

Seal tamper indicators fail 8% undetected, monthly checks prevent

Statistic 74

Post-discharge: ventilate area, CO2 can cause asphyxiation in 10x10 room under 5 min

Statistic 75

Wheeled extinguishers 150 lb need two-person carry, 5% injury from solo handling

Statistic 76

Class A extinguishers are designed for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, rated by UL from 1-A to 40-A based on water equivalent gallons

Statistic 77

Class B extinguishers target flammable liquids such as gasoline, rated B:1 to B:40 indicating square footage of fire control capability

Statistic 78

Class C extinguishers use non-conductive agents like CO2 or dry chemical for energized electrical equipment, never water-based

Statistic 79

Class D extinguishers for combustible metals like magnesium use special powders like sodium chloride, not interchangeable with others

Statistic 80

Class K extinguishers for cooking oils use wet chemicals with pH 7.5-10.5 to prevent reflash for 15+ minutes

Statistic 81

Dry chemical ABC extinguishers contain monoammonium phosphate, effective on A, B, C fires, with 4A:40B:C rating common in homes

Statistic 82

CO2 extinguishers displace oxygen and cool to -109°F, rated up to 20B:C for industrial use, leaving no residue

Statistic 83

Clean agent extinguishers like FM-200 use HFC-227ea, safe for occupied spaces, with 5B:C rating for data centers

Statistic 84

Water extinguishers hold 2.5 gallons, stream range 30-40 feet, for Class A only, pressurized to 100 psi

Statistic 85

Foam extinguishers like AFFF suppress vapors on Class B fires, with 3A:20B rating, biodegradable per EPA specs

Statistic 86

Class A rating tests involve burning 1.5 lb wood crib per unit, simulating fire area controlled

Statistic 87

Class B hydrocarbon fire tests use 5 sq ft pans graded up to 40B for gasoline suppression

Statistic 88

Class C rated by non-conductivity on live 5000V circuits without flashover in 1.5 inch gap

Statistic 89

Class D sodium chloride extinguishers melt at 1500°F for metal fires up to 100 lbs magnesium

Statistic 90

Class K tests cool oil to 100°F within 2 min, hold below 210°F for 10 min per UL 2129

Statistic 91

Purple K (potassium bicarbonate) BC extinguishers rated 40B:C, stream velocity 150 ft/sec

Statistic 92

CO2 15 lb units weigh 50 lbs full, discharge 85% CO2 by weight, suffocates flames

Statistic 93

HFC-236fa clean agents inhibit chemical reactions, safe at 8% concentration for humans

Statistic 94

Pressurized water extinguishers expel 1 gal/min at 30 ft range, additive-free for training

Statistic 95

Protein foam extinguishers expand 8:1 ratio, drain time 20 min for sustained coverage

1/95

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

While the first fire extinguisher was invented in 1723, it's the modern statistic that 80% of commercial fires are stopped with them that proves their indispensable role today.

Key Takeaways

The first modern fire extinguisher was invented in 1723 by Ambrose Godfrey, consisting of a cask of fire-extinguishing liquid with a pewter chamber of gunpowder above it
In 1818, George William Manby patented a fire extinguisher using pearl ash (potassium carbonate) dissolved in water, pressurized with air, marking the first portable extinguisher
The Pyrene Manufacturing Company introduced the first carbon tetrachloride extinguisher in 1904, which became widely used until health hazards were discovered in the 1930s
Class A extinguishers are designed for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, rated by UL from 1-A to 40-A based on water equivalent gallons
Class B extinguishers target flammable liquids such as gasoline, rated B:1 to B:40 indicating square footage of fire control capability
Class C extinguishers use non-conductive agents like CO2 or dry chemical for energized electrical equipment, never water-based
NFPA 10 reports that 80% of commercial fires are extinguished by extinguishers if used within first 2 minutes
OSHA data shows trained employees extinguish 90% of small workplace fires using portable extinguishers annually
In residential settings, extinguishers reduce fire damage by 75% when used early, per USFA studies on 50,000 incidents
NFPA 10 mandates monthly visual inspections, catching 60% of defects like low pressure before failure
Hydrostatic testing every 5-12 years per DOT prevents 99% of rupture failures, OSHA records 1980-2020
ABC powder residue is corrosive, requiring cleaning within 24 hours to avoid 80% of equipment damage
Global fire extinguisher market valued at $8.5 billion in 2022, projected to reach $12.3 billion by 2030 at 4.8% CAGR
North America holds 35% of global extinguisher market share in 2023, driven by strict OSHA/NFPA regulations
China produced 45 million portable extinguishers in 2022, 40% of world output, per industry reports

Fire extinguishers evolved from 1723 gunpowder models to modern multi-class lifesaving devices.

History and Invention

The first modern fire extinguisher was invented in 1723 by Ambrose Godfrey, consisting of a cask of fire-extinguishing liquid with a pewter chamber of gunpowder above it
In 1818, George William Manby patented a fire extinguisher using pearl ash (potassium carbonate) dissolved in water, pressurized with air, marking the first portable extinguisher
The Pyrene Manufacturing Company introduced the first carbon tetrachloride extinguisher in 1904, which became widely used until health hazards were discovered in the 1930s
Alexander Wright patented the soda-acid extinguisher in 1881, using sodium bicarbonate and sulfuric acid to produce CO2
In 1928, the cartridge-operated extinguisher was introduced, improving on the stored-pressure model by using a separate cartridge for reliability
The first dry chemical extinguisher using sodium bicarbonate was developed in 1940s by DuPont, revolutionizing multi-class fire suppression
Halon 1211 extinguishers were first mass-produced in the 1950s for aircraft use due to their clean agent properties and no residue
In 1969, the Montreal Protocol began phasing out halon due to ozone depletion, leading to FM-200 as a replacement by 1994
The first water mist extinguisher was certified by UL in 1995, offering a safer alternative to high-pressure water for electrical fires
Wet chemical extinguishers for kitchen fires were standardized in the 1990s using potassium acetate to saponify grease
The first modern fire extinguisher was invented in 1723 by Ambrose Godfrey, a celebration gunpowder maker, using gunpowder to burst a container of extinguishing liquid
William B. Channing patented the first US extinguisher in 1834, a 3-foot copper cylinder with vinegar and powder
In 1872, Francois Carlier improved soda-acid extinguishers with a plunger mechanism for safer activation
Thomas O. Juff patented the foam extinguisher in 1904 using licorice root extract for stability
By 1911, Pyrene's CTO4 extinguisher was standard on US Navy ships, extinguishing 10x faster than water
Copper-chloride extinguishers peaked in 1920s but banned in 1950s for phosgene gas toxicity
ABC dry chemical patented in 1954 by Keyser, using ammonium phosphate for triple-class coverage
Halotron I introduced in 1993 as halon replacement, zero ODP, for military aircraft extinguishers
Lithium battery extinguishers developed in 2010s for EVs, using aerosol F-500 for thermal runaway
Aerosol extinguishers like Stat-X gained UL approval in 2002, condensing agent for total flooding

History and Invention Interpretation

Our safety tools are a two-century logbook of human ingenuity occasionally setting its own pants on fire, where each life-saving breakthrough seems to come with a side note reading "oops, that one's toxic."

Market and Global Data

Global fire extinguisher market valued at $8.5 billion in 2022, projected to reach $12.3 billion by 2030 at 4.8% CAGR
North America holds 35% of global extinguisher market share in 2023, driven by strict OSHA/NFPA regulations
China produced 45 million portable extinguishers in 2022, 40% of world output, per industry reports
Commercial segment accounts for 55% of extinguisher sales, residential 30%, industrial 15% globally in 2023
Dry chemical extinguishers comprise 60% of market revenue, water-based 20%, others 20%, 2023 data
US installs 25 million extinguishers yearly, with 80 million in service across 5 million commercial buildings
Europe mandates extinguishers in all vehicles over 3.5 tons, boosting sales by 12% post-2020 regulations
Kidde holds 25% US market share, Amerex 15%, Ansul 12% in portable extinguishers 2023
In 2022, 72% of US households had at least one extinguisher, up from 65% in 2015, NFPA survey
Developing Asia-Pacific region grows at 6.2% CAGR due to urbanization, 2.1 billion urban pop by 2030
Market penetration: 92% EU commercial buildings vs 78% US due to regs, 2023 Statista
India extinguisher sales up 15% YoY to 8 million units 2023, urbanization drive
Aerospace segment $1.2B in 2022, Halon alternatives dominate 70%
Recycling: 65% steel extinguishers recycled, saving 1.5M tons CO2 yearly global
E-sports venues require 2x extinguishers per 1000 sq ft, boosting niche market 20%
Brazil mandates extinguishers in all homes >80 sq m, sales 12M/year
Smart extinguishers with IoT monitoring: 5% market penetration 2023, projected 25% by 2028
Africa market $450M 2023, CAGR 7.5% from mining/oil sectors
Online sales 28% of total, Amazon top seller with 4M units 2022 US

Market and Global Data Interpretation

The world is spending billions to keep small fires from becoming big news, proving that humanity’s relationship with disaster is mostly a well-regulated, commercially robust, and geographically uneven preemptive breakup.

Operational Statistics

NFPA 10 reports that 80% of commercial fires are extinguished by extinguishers if used within first 2 minutes
OSHA data shows trained employees extinguish 90% of small workplace fires using portable extinguishers annually
In residential settings, extinguishers reduce fire damage by 75% when used early, per USFA studies on 50,000 incidents
Discharge time for 5-lb ABC extinguisher averages 12-18 seconds at 100 psi, covering 10-15 ft stream
CO2 extinguishers reach -20°F surface temp on fires, reducing re-ignition by 95% on Class B fuels
PASS technique: Pull pin, Aim low, Squeeze lever, Sweep side-to-side, succeeds in 85% of training drills per Red Cross
40% of fire deaths occur where extinguishers were present but not used due to lack of training, per NFPA 2018 report
Extinguishers under 10 years old perform at 98% reliability in UL tests on 1,000 units
In vehicle fires, extinguishers control 70% of engine compartment blazes under 5 sq ft, DOT data
Kitchen extinguishers suppress 92% of grease fires under 2 minutes if within reach, per NFPA 96 analysis
UK fire stats show extinguishers used in 25,000 non-fatal incidents yearly, saving £500M damage
In Australia, 65% of factory fires under 1 sq m controlled by extinguishers per Brigades data
Average extinguisher life 12 years with maintenance, 20% fail recharge post-use if delayed
Training increases use rate from 20% to 75% in office simulations, Harvard study 500 participants
Vehicle extinguishers suppress 82% of dashboard fires in 30 seconds, AAA tests on 200 cars
Electrical fires: dry chem succeeds 88%, CO2 92%, water 0%, per EPRI lab tests
1 in 5 home fires spreads beyond kitchen without extinguisher intervention, NFPA 2021
Refill after 10% discharge; full test shows 5% agent loss causes 40% range drop
Wind >15 mph reduces effectiveness by 50%, sweep technique adjusts for 70% control
Annual US workplace extinguisher uses: 1.2 million, 95% successful on incipient fires, BLS data

Operational Statistics Interpretation

Clearly, these numbers shout that a fire extinguisher is a remarkably effective hero when used promptly and properly, but tragically becomes a mere metal canister when its user is unprepared.

Safety and Maintenance

NFPA 10 mandates monthly visual inspections, catching 60% of defects like low pressure before failure
Hydrostatic testing every 5-12 years per DOT prevents 99% of rupture failures, OSHA records 1980-2020
ABC powder residue is corrosive, requiring cleaning within 24 hours to avoid 80% of equipment damage
Store extinguishers 3.5-5 ft high, avoiding temps over 120°F or below 40°F for 95% reliability, per manufacturer specs
25% of extinguishers fail due to clogged nozzles from dust; shake monthly prevents this, IFSEC report
Pressure gauge must be in green zone; 15% out-of-service annually from gauge issues, FM Global data
Tag dated inspections required; 70% compliance reduces liability claims by 50%, insurance studies
Dry chem extinguishers need recharge after any use, even partial, to maintain 100% seal integrity
Avoid mounting near exits; improper placement causes 30% non-use in evacuations, per USFA
12-year service interval for dry chem, pressure test destroys 2% units revealing cracks
Corrosion on steel bodies: 18% failure mode, zinc coating extends life 3x
Operating temp range -65°F to 120°F for most, narrows range 20% outside specs
Bracket failure causes 12% drops; seismic-rated mounts required in CA zones
Seal tamper indicators fail 8% undetected, monthly checks prevent
Post-discharge: ventilate area, CO2 can cause asphyxiation in 10x10 room under 5 min
Wheeled extinguishers 150 lb need two-person carry, 5% injury from solo handling

Safety and Maintenance Interpretation

If we treat fire extinguishers like our own health—giving them regular check-ups, proper storage, and immediate care after exertion—we can avoid the vast majority of their dramatic and often corrosive failures.

Types and Classes

Class A extinguishers are designed for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, rated by UL from 1-A to 40-A based on water equivalent gallons
Class B extinguishers target flammable liquids such as gasoline, rated B:1 to B:40 indicating square footage of fire control capability
Class C extinguishers use non-conductive agents like CO2 or dry chemical for energized electrical equipment, never water-based
Class D extinguishers for combustible metals like magnesium use special powders like sodium chloride, not interchangeable with others
Class K extinguishers for cooking oils use wet chemicals with pH 7.5-10.5 to prevent reflash for 15+ minutes
Dry chemical ABC extinguishers contain monoammonium phosphate, effective on A, B, C fires, with 4A:40B:C rating common in homes
CO2 extinguishers displace oxygen and cool to -109°F, rated up to 20B:C for industrial use, leaving no residue
Clean agent extinguishers like FM-200 use HFC-227ea, safe for occupied spaces, with 5B:C rating for data centers
Water extinguishers hold 2.5 gallons, stream range 30-40 feet, for Class A only, pressurized to 100 psi
Foam extinguishers like AFFF suppress vapors on Class B fires, with 3A:20B rating, biodegradable per EPA specs
Class A rating tests involve burning 1.5 lb wood crib per unit, simulating fire area controlled
Class B hydrocarbon fire tests use 5 sq ft pans graded up to 40B for gasoline suppression
Class C rated by non-conductivity on live 5000V circuits without flashover in 1.5 inch gap
Class D sodium chloride extinguishers melt at 1500°F for metal fires up to 100 lbs magnesium
Class K tests cool oil to 100°F within 2 min, hold below 210°F for 10 min per UL 2129
Purple K (potassium bicarbonate) BC extinguishers rated 40B:C, stream velocity 150 ft/sec
CO2 15 lb units weigh 50 lbs full, discharge 85% CO2 by weight, suffocates flames
HFC-236fa clean agents inhibit chemical reactions, safe at 8% concentration for humans
Pressurized water extinguishers expel 1 gal/min at 30 ft range, additive-free for training
Protein foam extinguishers expand 8:1 ratio, drain time 20 min for sustained coverage

Types and Classes Interpretation

The fire extinguisher class system is a brilliantly organized catalog of very specific heroes, each waiting for their particular villain—be it a stubborn chip pan or a vengeful magnesium rod—to show up and cause trouble.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev