What type of fire extinguisher should be carried in a service vehicle?

A fire extinguisher suitable for a service vehicle needs to be versatile enough to handle various types of fires that might occur in a commercial food service environment. Class B and Class C fires are particularly relevant in this context.

Class B extinguishers are effective against flammable liquids such as grease, gasoline, or oil, which are common in food service operations. Class C extinguishers are designed for electrical fires, which are a potential hazard when servicing electrical equipment in a commercial kitchen.

A Class BC extinguisher combines the capabilities of both Class B and Class C, making it suitable for fires involving both flammable liquids and electrical equipment. This is essential for technicians who may encounter either type of fire while on the job.

Class A extinguishers, which are meant for ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, or cloth, are less relevant in the specific context of food service equipment where Class B and C fires are more likely. Having a Class D extinguisher, which is specialized for certain combustible metals, may not be necessary in most food service scenarios. Therefore, a Class BC extinguisher is the most appropriate choice for a service vehicle, ensuring that technicians are prepared for the most probable fire hazards they might face in the field.