How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher can help prevent a small fire from spreading and becoming an emergency. Most firefighters recommend that everyone have one on hand to fight fires in their homes. Many cities even offer training for residents to learn how to use fire extinguishers properly. If you do decide to purchase a fire extinguisher, the experts suggest keeping it near an exit door, so you can fight the fire with your back to the door and escape easily if the flames get out of control. If you do not have a clear escape path, it is best to leave the room and let the fire department take over.

There are several types of fire extinguishers available for home use, each rated for a particular class of fire. Typically, they are labeled with the letters A, B, or C. A fire extinguisher rated for Class A is effective against ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth; Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline or cooking oils; and Class C fires are those in electrical equipment. There are also special extinguishers for metals, which contain graphite or potassium bicarbonate chemicals that can be used to stop Class D fires that involve highly reactive metals such as sodium and magnesium.

Most fire extinguishers are rated for multiple classes of fires, and most are multipurpose. You should have a multipurpose fire extinguisher on each level of your house, plus one rated for the kitchen (Class BC type). BC-type extinguishers are better than ABC types because they cause less damage to appliances and furniture finishes than do water extinguishers.

Remember the acronym PASS, when using an extinguisher: P – Pull the pin that activates the handle. A – Aim the nozzle low at the base of the fire. S – Squeeze the handle to discharge the agent. P – Repeat steps as needed until the fire is extinguished.

Some people think they can fight fires without fire safety training, but that is not a good idea. If you do not know how to use a fire extinguisher or haven’t had training within the last year, it is best to retreat from the fire and let the fire department take over. Trying to fight a fire can actually make it worse by adding oxygen to the burning material and forcing it into a more rapid chemical reaction, which produces toxic gases that can poison you in small amounts.

Before you use a fire extinguisher, check it regularly for damage, proper pressure, and broken seals. All extinguishers that store a pressurized agent must be inspected monthly for these conditions, and must be fully emptied, refilled, and have a new seal and dated inspection tag every 6 years. If you see any signs of damage, the extinguisher should be replaced immediately. A fire extinguisher that does not meet these requirements may lose its ability to operate, and could even become hazardous waste if it is damaged by water or saltwater.