Station 44 Video

Member's E-mail

Fire Extinguishers

Extinguishers Have Limits

Used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives.

Portable extinguishers for home use, however, are not designed to fight large or spreading fires.  Even against small fires, they are useful only under certain conditions.

• The operator must know how to use the extinguisher.   There is no time to read directions during an emergency.

• The extinguisher must be within easy reach and in working order, fully charged.

• The operator must have a clear escape route that will not be blocked by fire.

• The extinguisher must match the type of fire being fought.  Extinguishers that contain water are unsuitable for use on grease or electrical fires.

• The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire.  Many portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as 8 to 10 seconds.

Choosing Your Extinguisher

Fire Extinguishers are tested by independent testing laboratories and should be labeled for the type of fire they are intended to extinguish.

There are three basic classes of fires.  All fire extinguishers are labeled using standard symbols for classes of fires they can put out.   A red slash through any of the symbols tells you the extinguisher cannot b used on that class of fire.  A missing symbol tells you only that the extinguisher has not been tested for a given class of fire.

• Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood. cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics.

• Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paint, lacquer, and flammable gas.

• Class C: Energized electrical equipment - including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances.

Many household fire extinguishers are "multipurpose" A-B-C models, labeled for use on all three classes of fire.   If you are ever faced with a Class A fire and don't have an extinguisher with an "A" symbol, don't hesitate to use one with the "B:C" symbol.

WARNING: It is very dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labeled for Class A fires on a Class B or Class C fire.

Portable extinguishers are also rated for the size of fire they can handle.  This rating is expressed as a number from 1 to 40 for Class A fires and 1 to 640 for Class B fires.  This rating will appear on the label; for example, the rating 2A:10B:C, is recommended for extinguishers to be used on every level of your home.  The larger the numbers, the larger the fire that the extinguisher can put out.   However, higher-rated models are often heavier.  Make sure you can hold and operate the extinguisher before you buy.

Installation and Maintenance

Extinguishers should be installed in plain view, above the reach of children, near an escape route, and away from stoves and heating appliances.

Extinguishers require routine care.  Read your operator's manual and ask your dealer how your extinguisher should be inspected and serviced.  Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use.  Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once and must be replaced after use.  Following manufacture's instructions, check the pressure in your extinguishers once a month.

Remember the PASS-word

Keep your back to an exit and stand six to eight feet away from the fire.  Follow the four-step PASS procedure.  If the fire does not begin to go out immediately, leave the area at once.

• Pull the pin:  This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher.  Some extinguishers may have other lever-release mechanisms.

• Aim low:  Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.

• Squeeze the lever above the handle:   This discharges the extinguishing agent.  Releasing the lever will stop the discharge.  (Some extinguishers have a button instead of a lever.)

• Sweep from side to side:  Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out.  Watch the fire area.  If the fire re-ignite, repeat the process.

Always be sure the fire department inspects the fire site, even if you think you've extinguished the fire.

Should you Fight the Fire?

Before you begin to fight the fire:

• Make sure everyone has left, or is leaving, the building.

• Make sure the fire department has been called.

• Make sure the fire is confined to a small area and is not spreading.

• Be sure you have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread.

• Be sure you have read the instructions and that you know how to use the extinguisher.

It is reckless to fight a fire in any other circumstances.   Instead, leave immediately and close off the area.

© 1994 National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA