A fire extinguisher is a handheld device that is used to extinguish or control small fires. They are usually filled with a dry or wet chemical. The six main types of fire extinguishers are water, foam, CO2, powder, water mist, and wet chemicals.

When to Use a Fire Extinguisher

It is important to know when to use a fire extinguisher. Below is safety advice about when fire extinguisher use is appropriate (Bellingham Fire Prevention Bureau, n.d.).

You should fight a fire with a fire extinguisher only when all the following are true:

• The fire department is being called. (9-1-1)
• The building is being evacuated. Activate the fire alarm, if available.
• The fire is small and confined to the immediate areas where it started, such as in a wastebasket, cushion, small appliance, stove, etc.
• You can fight the fire with your back to a safe exit/escape route.
• Your extinguisher is rated for the type of fire you are fighting and is in good working order.
• You have had training in how to use the extinguisher and are confident that you can operate it effectively.

If any of these are not true, get out immediately and dial 9-1-1. (paras. 20-22)

How to Operate a Fire Extinguisher

To safely put out a fire, you must use a fire extinguisher properly. This is advice on how to operate a fire extinguisher (Bellingham Fire Prevention Bureau, n.d.).

There is a simple acronym to remember to operate most fire extinguishers – PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.

• Pull the pin at the top of the cylinder. Some units require the release of a lock latch or pressing a puncture lever.
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze or press the handle.
• Sweep the contents from side to side at the base of the fire until it goes out.

Shut off the extinguisher, and then watch carefully for a rekindling of the fire. (paras. 17-19)

Attributions

1. Figure 2.4: A hand held fire extinguisher by Caduser2003 is released under CC BY-SA 2.5