There is a high chance of you encountering an out-of-control fire
at least once in your life and being prepared by knowing how to use
a fire extinguisher is an important skill to be able to resort to.
This article explains the process of using a fire extinguisher in
an emergency. Naturally, it makes the most sense if you learn this
on the off chance you might need it one day, rather than trying to
work out what to do in the event of a fire!
_Note: The US Fire Administration does not recommend the use of fire
extinguishers by untrained persons.[1] While this is only a
recommendation and may be unrealistic sometimes, it is often easy
enough to get training from your local fire department, so make the
most of this opportunity to become "trained"._
!! Steps !!
Call for help before attempting to extinguish a fire. The fire may
take hold much faster than you're capable of dealing with it, and if
help is on the way, it removes one less concern for you.
* Call, or have someone else call, 911 in North America (or the
appropriate emergency number for your country), as soon as
possible. Ask for the fire service to come immediately, giving
your address and a brief description of the type of fire.
* Check that all other people are out of the house and have them
remove pets as well. Check that they're all assembled at a safe
meeting point. Do not allow children to attempt to use a fire
extinguisher or control a fire in any respect whatsoever.
* Realize that reacting to a fire requires a sound process of
decision-making that children and some adults may not be capable
of setting into train during the panic.[2] Prior training on
correct use can alleviate some of the concern here.
Check for your own safety before starting to extinguish a fire.
There are some key things to check for before you start fighting a
fire using a fire extinguisher:
* Are you physically capable of extinguishing a fire? Some people
have physical limitations that might diminish or eliminate their
ability to properly use a fire extinguisher. People with
disabilities, older adults, or children may find that an
extinguisher is too heavy to handle or it may be too difficult for
them to exert the necessary pressure to operate the extinguisher.
* Look for your exit points. Ensure that there is an clear exit for
immediate escape should this become necessary. At all times keep
your mind focused on the availability of a safe retreat. If this
is threatened at all, leave at once. The US National Fire
Prevention Association recommends that you install fire
extinguishers close to an exit point, to enable you to keep your
back to the exit when you use the extinguisher; this ensures that
you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled.[3]
* Do not attempt to put out a fire where it is emitting toxic smoke;
if you suspect or simply don't know if the smoke is toxic, leave
it to the professionals.[4]
* Check for structural safety of the building, in case burning
walls, floors, or rafters pose a risk to your safety.
* If you have more than one fire extinguisher, consider asking
another mature and responsible person to use it in tandem with
you.
* Remember that your life is more important than property, so don't
place yourself or others at risk.
A bunsen burner fire might be appropriate unless it spreads Assess
the fire. Only a contained fire should be fought using a fire
extinguisher; portable fire extinguishers are valuable for immediate
use on small fires. They contain a limited amount of extinguishing
material and need to be properly used so that this material is not
wasted. For example, when a pan initially catches fire, it may be
safe to turn off the burner, place a lid on the pan, and use an
extinguisher. By the time the fire has spread, however, these actions
will not be adequate, and only trained firefighters can safely
extinguish such fires.
A fire this serious cannot be fought with a fire extinguisher Make
a quick commonsense assessment about the utility and safety of using
a fire extinguisher for the fire you're experiencing. Obviously, a
fire extinguisher is overkill for a candle but it's useless when the
whole house is on fire. A fire in a wastepaper basket, however, is a
suitable candidate for using a fire extinguisher on.
* Use your instincts. If your instincts tell you the fire's too
dangerous to tackle, trust them.[5]
Check the type of extinguisher. In the USA, there are five main
classes of fire extinguisher (note that the classes and
nomenclature can vary from country to country): A, B, C and the
less common classes D, and K. The extinguishing agent might be
water, dry chemical, halon, CO2, or a special powder. Usage of each
class is as follows:
_Class A_: This is suitable for cloth, wood, rubber, paper,
various plastics, and regular combustible fires. It is usually
filled with 2 1/2 gallons (9.46 litres) of pressurized water.
_Class B_: This is suitable for grease, gasoline or oil-based fires
is usually filled with a dry chemical. Extinguishers smaller than
6lbs (2.72kg) are not recommended.
_Class C_: This is suitable for electrical fires caused by
appliances, tools, and other plugged in gear. It can contain either
halon or CO2. Halon 1211 and 1301 is very expensive and depletes
the ozone layer but halon is being replaced by non-depleting agents
such as FM200. Note that halon is now illegal in numerous
jurisdictions.
_Class D_: This is used for water reactive metals such as burning
magnesium and will be located in factories using such metals. It
comes in the form of a powder that must cover the material to
extinguish it.
_Class K_: This contains a special purpose wet chemical agent for
use in kitchen fires and deep fryers to stop fires started by
vegetable oils, animal fats, or other fats started in cooking
appliances.
* Note that many fire extinguishers will work on a combination of
fire classes. You'll need to decide quickly on what type of fire
you have, and ensure that your fire extinguisher is compatible
with the fire you are attempting to extinguish. An all purpose ABC
dry chemical (10lb/4.5kg) extinguisher) is a safe bet for most
fires, especially where you're not sure of the fire's origins.
Ready the fire extinguisher. Almost all fire extinguishers have a
safety pin in the handle. This pin usually looks like a plastic or
metal ring, sometimes colored red, that is held in place by a
plastic seal. The distinctive features will vary depending on the
type of fire extinguisher you have. You must break the seal and pull
the safety pin from the handle before you can use the fire
extinguisher by squeezing the lever which discharges the fire
extinguishing agent.
* It helps if you ensure that you're familiar with how your fire
extinguisher works before being placed under pressure; take time
to read over its instructions after you've read this article.
Familiarize yourself with its special features and parts.
Different extinguishers rely on different methods of us: be aware
of this in advance of having to use them.
An example of aiming at the base of the fire, not the flames Aim for
the base of the fire. Shooting into the flame is a waste of the fire
extinguisher as you're not putting out the source of the flames. It's
vital to stop the fire at its source, or to remove or dampen the fuel
from the fire, in order to put it out. By focusing the extinguisher's
spray at the base of the fire or the source, you're extinguishing the
fuel. Remember the simple acronym P.A.S.S. to help you use the fire
extinguisher effectively. P.A.S.S. stands for: Pull, Aim, Squeeze,
Sweep, explained after the printable diagram.
* Pull the safety pin from the handle. The pin is located at the top
of the fire extinguisher. Once removed, it releases the locking
mechanism and you'll now be able to discharge the extinguisher.
* Aim the extinguisher nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. As
explained, this removes the source or fuel of the fire. Keep
yourself low.
* Squeeze the handle or lever slowly to discharge the agent. Letting
go of the handle will stop the discharge, so keep it held down.
* Sweep side to side approximately 6'' or 15cm over the fire until
expended. The sweeping motion helps to extinguish the fire. Stand
several feet or metres back from the fire: fire extinguishers are
manufactured for use from a distance.
Rely on fire professionals if the extinguisher fails to
quell the fire Be aware that the typical fire
extinguisher will contain around 10 seconds of
extinguishing power. If the extinguisher has already
been discharged partially, this time will be less.
* If the fire doesn't respond well after you've used up the fire
extinguisher, remove yourself to safety quickly.
* If the room fills with smoke, make a hasty exit.[6]
Clean up burnt things after the fire Tend to the area if you have
successfully put out the fire. This means not leaving it alone, as it
might re-ignite without warning. If it is safe to do so, remove fuel
sources and commence cleaning up. If you're legally obliged to report
fires to local authorities, then do so, especially if filing for an
insurance claim. A new one is essential after use
Purchase a new fire extinguisher immediately. The old one is now
depleted and will serve no further purpose. A multi-purpose
extinguisher is best for a home; check that it is labeled by an
independent testing laboratory.[7]
* Fire extinguishers should be wall mounted in an accessible place.
Keep out of the reach of children who are not responsible enough
to leave well alone.
* It's a good idea to always keep a fire extinguisher in the
kitchen, away from sources of heat such as the stove or cooking
surfaces.
* Other good places to keep a fire extinguisher include: your car,
your garage (especially if you use welding equipment or flammable
products), your caravan or RV, and your boat. In each case, mount
it somewhere accessible and protected from outdoor elements.
* Ensure that everyone in the house knows where the fire
extinguisher is located and how to use it (provided they are old
enough and responsible enough to do so).
!! Video !!
!! Tips !!
* Many local fire departments will happily demonstrate to you how to
use a fire extinguisher. Call your local one to find out more.
* Remove fuel, oxygen or heat to eliminate the fire.
* Always have a household plan of escape in the event of fire, as
well as working smoke alarms in place.
Fire extinguishers need to be regularly checked to ensure that:
* The extinguisher is not blocked by furniture, doorways, or any
thing that might limit access in an emergency.
* The pressure is at the recommended level. Some extinguishers have
gauges that indicate when the pressure is too high or too low.
* All parts are operable and not damaged or restricted in any way.
Make sure hoses and nozzles are free of insects or debris. There
should not be any signs of damage or abuse, such as dents or rust,
on the extinguisher.
* The outside of the extinguisher is clean. Remove any oil or grease
that might accumulate on the exterior.
* Shake dry chemical extinguishers once a month to prevent the
powder from settling or packing. Check the manufacturer's
recommendations.
* Pressure test the extinguisher (a process called hydrostatic
testing) after a number of years to ensure that the cylinder is
safe to use. Find out from the owner's manual, the label, or the
manufacturer when an extinguisher may need this type of testing.
* Immediately replace the extinguisher if it needs recharging or is
damaged in any way.
!! Warnings !!
* Make sure you have the proper class of fire extinguisher for the
fuel.
* Be aware that non-water based fire-extinguishers are designed to
_smother_ fire. Keep away from respiratory organs!
Be aware that the powder from dry chemical extinguishers will damage
some electronics. If you are purchasing extinguishers for someplace
with a lot of electronics, try to avoid the the 'dry chemical'
variety. Instead, use a CO2 or halon extinguisher. Don't use a wet
type, it could cause electrocution and a short circuit.
* Fire extinguishers use up their charge very quickly. Exercise
control with your spray and try to evenly extinguish the flames.
* If using a CO2 extinguisher, do not hold the horn (where the CO2
comes out) as it gets very cold.
!! Things You'll Need !!
* Fire extinguisher
* Exits for safety
* Fire blanket (for added flame smothering assistance)
!! Related WikiHows !!
* How to Put out a Fire
* How to Report a Fire
* How to Put out a Grease Fire
* How to Put out a Toaster Fire
* How to Survive a Hotel Fire
!! Sources And Citations !!
* A source of some of the information: USFA, Fire Extinguishers,
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/extinguishers.shtm,
US Government public domain material.
!! Article Tools !!
* Read on wikiHow
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