The carbon dioxide fire extinguisher was invented in 1924 by the Walter Kidde Company for the purpose of extinguishing electrical fires. It contains carbon dioxide gas under extreme pressure and operates by displacing oxygen near the flames. These extinguishers come in a wide range of sizes and can be used for extinguishing class B and C fires.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers can often be recognized by a lack of a pressure gauge and a hard conical horn on the end of the hose. They are still used as an ozone-friendly agent today, and are very useful for extinguishing a person who is on fire. Notable brands in the Koorsen Fire Museum are Randolph and Kidde.