What is a common misconception about fire extinguishers?

A common misconception about fire extinguishers is that they can be used for all classes of fires. In reality, fire extinguishers are categorized based on the type of fire they are designed to combat. There are different classes of fire—such as Class A (normal combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), Class C (electrical), Class D (flammable metals), and Class K (cooking oils and fats)—each requiring a specific type of extinguisher. Using an extinguisher not suited for the fire class can lead to ineffective suppression and may even exacerbate the situation. Therefore, understanding the correct type of fire extinguisher for particular fire classifications is vital for ensuring safety and effective firefighting rather than assuming one extinguisher can handle all types of fires.