H-Dogg Yes, a general purpose fire extinguisher is called an ABC fire extinguisher. A type A fire is burning wood, paper, and other general combustibles. A type B fire is flammable liquids. A Type C is a fire with an electrical charge. So Types B and C can’t be extinguished with water because it would spread the grease and/or conduct electricity, so they use a powder that melts and forms a crust over the burning object, snuffing out the flames by depriving it of oxygen. Such a fire extinguisher is filled at the factory with powder and compressed air. So, yes, it’s powder. A fire extinguisher filled with only carbon dioxide and no powder can be used to chill beverages.