There are various extinguishing agents which have a specific action on each of the four elements stated above (Tetrahedron of fire), which are used to manufacture the first intervention devices (portable extinguishers, detection devices and networks).

The selection of the appropriate agent fundamentally depends on the fire class and the characteristics of the combustible element, as shown in Table This table is intended to give a global view of the link between fire classes and the efficiency of extinguishing agents and devices available.