Basic Corrections Officer Certification 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The main use of carbon dioxide extinguishers is for flammable liquid and gas fires. This is because carbon dioxide displaces oxygen, which is essential for combustion, effectively suffocating the fire. CO2 is particularly effective in situations involving flammable liquids such as gasoline or oil, as well as in gas fires where oxygen can rapidly feed the flames.

When a fire is extinguished with CO2, the gas does not leave a residue, making it an ideal choice for environments with sensitive equipment, such as laboratories and server rooms. It also has a cooling effect, which helps to reduce the temperature of the flames.

This effectiveness stems from its ability to both starve the fire of oxygen and cool the surrounding area, thus preventing reignition. Other types of extinguishing agents may not be suitable for all fire classes, particularly those that involve flammable liquids and gases, highlighting the specificity of carbon dioxide extinguishers in fire suppression strategies.