One Extinguisher for All Major Fire Classes:
Smarter Fire Protection for Taxis, Buses, Coaches and Fleet Vehicles
Fire safety within the transport sector presents a unique challenge. Drivers and operators need effective fire protection that is compact enough for a vehicle, straightforward to use in an emergency and capable of dealing with the increasingly diverse fire risks found in modern vehicles.
Traditional fire extinguishers are generally selected according to particular fire risks. This can mean different extinguisher types are required depending on whether the incident involves combustible materials, fuel, electrical equipment or another source.
Through our dedicated Think-Fire fire safety operation, Consult CPK can supply the Firexo All Fires Extinguisher, offering transport operators a simpler approach: one extinguisher capable of tackling all major fire classes, including electrical risks, with independent testing also undertaken for lithium-ion battery fire scenarios.
Fire Safety Risks Are Changing in Modern Vehicles
Vehicles are increasingly reliant upon sophisticated electrical and electronic systems. At the same time, lithium-ion batteries are now commonplace in everything from mobile devices and tools carried within vehicles to electric and hybrid vehicle technology.
For transport operators, this means fire protection arrangements need to reflect the risks found in today’s vehicles rather than those of the past.
Firexo’s principal advantage is its broad capability. Instead of a driver having to determine which extinguisher should be used for a particular fire, a single compact Firexo extinguisher can address the major fire types likely to be encountered within a modern transport environment.
During an emergency, where every second counts, reducing uncertainty over extinguisher selection can be a significant practical advantage.
What Fire Classes Can Firexo Tackle?
The 2-litre Firexo provides compact fire protection suitable for vehicle applications and is designed for use across a broad range of fire classes.
These include:
Class A – combustible materials
Class B – flammable liquids
Class C – gases
Class D – metals
Electrical risks
Class F – cooking oils and fats
Lithium-ion battery fires – independently tested
Firexo states that its extinguishers have been tested to 35 kV and are suitable for use on live electrical equipment up to 1,000 V when used from a distance of one metre.
This broad capability can make Firexo particularly attractive for taxis, buses, coaches, minibuses and commercial fleet vehicles.
DVA Acceptance of Firexo Extinguishers
An important development for Northern Ireland transport operators is the position regarding Firexo and vehicle examinations.
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has confirmed that DVA vehicle examiners were issued an internal technical circular in April 2026 concerning the acceptance of Firexo extinguishers.
According to the information supplied to Consult CPK, inspectors have been advised that the statutory reference to water includes water-based extinguishing media.
This is relevant because Firexo describes its fx51 extinguishing agent as a water-based medium incorporating additive technology.
For operators considering moving away from traditional extinguisher arrangements, this clarification provides important context when assessing Firexo for vehicle applications.
Why Consider Changing from Traditional Fire Extinguishers?
One extinguisher can mean less confusion
In a developing vehicle fire, a driver may have very little time to react.
Firexo is designed for Classes A, B, C, D, electrical and Class F fires. Its broader application can simplify the decision a driver needs to make when confronted with an emergency.
Rather than attempting to identify the fire class and then select the appropriate extinguisher, the driver has one broadly applicable extinguishing solution available.
Designed with modern electrical risks in mind
Modern vehicles can contain substantial electrical and electronic equipment.
Firexo reports successful 35 kV dielectric testing, with suitability for live electrical equipment up to 1,000 V at a distance of one metre.
This can be particularly relevant when considering the changing risk profile of commercial fleets.
What About Lithium-Ion Battery Fires?
Lithium-ion batteries deserve particular attention because their use has expanded considerably.
Firexo has undergone independent testing by RISE involving lithium-ion scenarios, including a large automotive cell and a small battery pack.
There is, however, an important distinction for operators to understand.
There is currently no dedicated international extinguisher classification or standardised extinguisher test specifically for lithium-ion battery fires. Firexo’s lithium-ion capability should therefore be described in the context of its independent testing rather than as a specific internationally recognised lithium-ion extinguisher classification.
This distinction is important when businesses are assessing fire protection products and making informed decisions about their fleet.
A Water-Based Alternative to Dry Powder
Another consideration for vehicle operators is what happens when an extinguisher is actually discharged.
Dry powder extinguishers can create a dense powder cloud, potentially reducing visibility and leaving significant residue behind.
Firexo uses a water-based extinguishing agent, avoiding the characteristic dusty cloud associated with dry powder and being promoted as easier to clean following discharge.
Firexo also describes its current water-based formulation as PFAS/PFOA-free. Independent laboratory analysis supplied by Firexo reported the tested PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS, as not detected.
More Than Simply Supplying an Extinguisher
Selecting an extinguisher is only part of effective vehicle fire protection.
Through Think-Fire, Consult CPK can support transport and fleet operators throughout the lifecycle of their fire extinguishers, including:
- Firexo extinguisher supply
- Commissioning
- Installation
- Suitable vehicle mounting
- Annual inspection
- Ongoing servicing and maintenance
This gives fleet operators a single point of contact for the initial product and its ongoing maintenance requirements.
Whether you operate one vehicle or a substantial commercial fleet, the objective is to ensure that extinguishers are appropriately selected, securely installed and properly maintained so that they are ready if an emergency occurs.
Firexo for Taxis, Buses, Coaches, Minibuses and Fleet Vehicles
The 2-litre Firexo offers a particularly interesting option for transport operators seeking to simplify their vehicle fire protection arrangements.
Its combination of compact size and broad fire-class capability makes it suitable for consideration across a variety of transport applications, including taxis, private hire vehicles, buses, coaches, minibuses and commercial fleets.
However, fire extinguisher provision should never be approached simply by purchasing a product and placing it inside a vehicle.
The appropriate extinguisher provision should be determined following a suitable fire risk assessment and with consideration given to the applicable vehicle and licensing requirements.
Talk to Consult CPK About Your Fleet Fire Protection
If you are responsible for taxis, buses, coaches, minibuses or a commercial vehicle fleet in Northern Ireland, now may be a good opportunity to review your current fire extinguisher arrangements.
Consult CPK and Think-Fire can help you assess your requirements, supply appropriate Firexo extinguishers, provide suitable vehicle mounting and establish an ongoing annual servicing programme.
For larger fleets, we can also discuss your requirements and provide a fleet quotation.
Think-Fire – practical fire safety solutions from Consult CPK.
Tel: 028 9145 3797
Email: fire@consult-cpk.co.uk
Web: Consult-CPK.co.uk
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