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How to Use a Fire ExtinguisherEncountering a small fire is a frightening and dangerous moment. It is imperative to remain calm so you can determine whether the best course of action is to call 911 and evacuate or attempt to extinguish the fire yourself. If you are able to identify the class of fire, and you’re armed with the right fire extinguisher plus the knowledge of how to use it correctly, you may be able to save lives and property by extinguishing the fire.

The first step is to identify the class of fire you have encountered. There are four types of fires and they are classified by the fire’s source of fuel. Most fire extinguishers are clearly labeled by the use of a letter, color, and shape combination to indicate which types of fires they have been designed to extinguish.

  • Class A – fueled by trash, wood, paper, cardboard, and most plastics.
    • Fire extinguishers intended for use on this type of fire are labeled with a green triangle and the letter A
  • Class B – fueled by combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, and cooking oils.
    • Fire extinguishers intended for use on this type of fire are labeled with a red square and the letter B
  • Class C – involving electricity, electrical equipment, or electrified materials.
    • Fire extinguishers intended for use on this type of fire are labeled with a blue circle and the letter C
  • Class D – fueled by combustible metals such as sodium or magnesium.
    • Fire extinguishers intended for use on this type of fire are labeled with a yellow star and the letter D

Some fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish only one classification of fire; however, many fire extinguishers are designed to take on multiple types. To utilize a fire extinguisher safely and effectively, it is vital to be aware of the information on your extinguisher’s label. Never attempt to extinguish a fire if the fuel source is not known, and never use an unlabeled fire extinguisher on any fire. Instead, call 911 and evacuate immediately.

Once you have identified the classification of fire and are armed with the correct fire extinguisher, you can confidently and cautiously move forward and extinguish the fire. Endorsed by fire departments around the country, the simplest manner of using a fire extinguisher is the P.A.S.S. procedure.

  • Using the P.A.S.S. Procedure:
  1. PULL the safety pin from the extinguisher’s handle.
  2. AIM the nozzle low, at the base of the flames from about a six-foot distance away from the fire.
  3. SQUEEZE the handle to dispense the contents.
  4. SWEEP the nozzle from side to side across the base of the fire until the fire is out. Watch for re-ignites and double back to ensure they are out.
  • Follow up and evacuate. After you have dispensed the contents of the fire extinguisher, follow your predetermined escape route and evacuate the building.

If the fire extinguisher has emptied and the fire is not out, evacuate the building immediately, as there won’t be time to consider other options. If you have the slightest doubt about your ability to fight the fire, evacuate right away in this case as well.

At Eaton & Berube, the safety of your family, home, and meaningful assets is our priority. For additional safety tips and useful resources, please subscribe to our blog or contact us.