What is a common fire extinguisher type used in theatres?

• A. ABC extinguisher, suitable for common fires including electrical and ordinary combustibles.
• B. CO2 extinguisher for electrical fires
• C. Water extinguisher for oil fires
• D. Dry chemical for metal fires

Answer: (C)

In theatre safety, the environment presents a mix of hazards: wood and fabric (ordinary combustibles), stage oils and solvents (flammable liquids), and live electrical equipment. A multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher rated for Class A, B, and C fires is the typical choice because it covers all of these common theatre hazards. The dry chemical powder blankets the fire, interrupts the chemical reactions occurring at the fuel, and cools the material, making it effective on wood/paper, oils and solvents, and energized electrical gear (when safe to do so). Water extinguishers are not suitable for oil fires—water can spread the oil and is not appropriate for electrical fires—so they are not the preferred option in theatres. For oil fires specifically, foam or dry chemical extinguishers are preferred; overall, the versatile ABC dry chemical extinguisher is the standard choice in theatre environments.