Fire Extinguishers

Used under proper conditions with an understanding of how they work, a fire extinguisher can save lives as well as property by putting out or containing a fire until professional help arrives.

  • Before fighting a fire, it is important to be positive that all occupants have left the building. Saving lives is the top priority! Risking a life to save property is foolish.
  • Read the owner's manual; be familiar with the operation of your extinguisher before a catastrophe arises!
  • Know how to pull the release on the extinguisher - all have some type of trigger lock.
  • Mount the Extinguisher out of reach of children.
  • Mount the extinguisher away from sources of heat.
  • Any fire extinguisher must be charged.
  • The operator should have a clear escape path.
  • The user should be aware that the typical fire extinguisher could discharge fully in less than 10 seconds.
  • Fire extinguishers should never be used by children!
  • Fire Extinguishers are built to extinguish at least one of the three main types of fires; Class A, Class B or Class C
  • If an extinguisher is rated as A-B-C, it can be used on all types of fires.
  • Do not attempt to fight a fire with an incorrectly rated extinguisher - you could make things much worse!
  • Be careful not to get too close - it is possible to spread a fire by using an extinguisher incorrectly.
  • Keep your back to the escape route
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from the fire
  • Aim at the base of the flames, never at the top.
  • When extinguishing, sweep gently along the base, advance if the flames retreat.
  • Even if flames are extinguished, still make sure the Fire Department inspects the scene.
  • If the extinguisher is refillable, have it done as soon as possible. Once discharged an extinguisher will not work until it is refilled.

Class A:
Normal Combustible Materials such as wood and paper		         
Class B:
Flammable Liquids such as gasoline and oil		          
Class C:
Electricity Based such as machinery and fuse boxes		          

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