On a class Charlie fire, what portable firefighting extinguisher should be considered a last resort?

In the context of a Class Charlie fire, which involves energized electrical equipment, the use of a PKP (Potassium Bicarbonate Powder) extinguisher should be considered a last resort due to several important factors.

PKP extinguishers function by dispersing a cloud of potassium bicarbonate powder that interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire. However, they are not effective on electrical fires if the equipment is still energized, as the powder may not properly suppress the fire and can potentially create additional hazards, such as obscuring visibility or creating a mess, which might complicate firefighting efforts.

Furthermore, PKP is generally less suitable for electrical fires compared to other types of extinguishers. Alternatives, such as CO2 extinguishers, are specifically designed for use on electrical fires as they do not conduct electricity and effectively displace oxygen around the fire, thus suffocating it without causing any additional risk of electric shock or re-ignition.

In a firefighting scenario, prioritizing effective extinguishing agents that can safely handle the specific characteristics of a Class Charlie fire is crucial. Therefore, PKP should be seen as a last-resort option when other more appropriate extinguishers are not available or have failed.