A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the #1 priority for residents is to get out safely.

When choosing to purchase a fire extinguisher, first determine what type of fire you will use the extinguisher on.  There are 5 primary classes of fire extinguishers.

• Class A is for ordinary materials like wood, paper and cloth.
• Class B is for combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline and oil.
• Class C is for electrical equipment like appliances and tools.
• Class D is for flammable metals.
• Class K is for vegetable oil and animal oils and fats that are used in commercial cooking applications like restaurants.

Many retail and home improvement stores sell multipurpose extinguishers, meaning they are designed to extinguish more than one class of fire.  Multipurpose extinguishers are generally manufactured as Class B-C or Class A-B-C.  Generally speaking, a Class A-B-C extinguisher is appropriate for the home, however, the content is corrosive on metal.  So, if it is used on appliances that have metal parts, the appliance must be thoroughly cleaned by a professional after the extinguisher has been used.

Before actually using any fire extinguisher, make sure all the following are considered.

1. Call the fire department to make sure they are responding.  If the extinguisher should not extinguish the fire, you’ll have proper professionals responding to take care of the situation.
2. Make sure everyone in the home has been alerted and they are getting out of the house.
3. Is the fire small and contained?  If the answer to this question is no, get out of the house and stay out. Let the fire department handle the situation.
4. Make sure you have a clear path to safety.  Never allow the fire to get between you and the way out of the house.
5. Smoke is toxic, regardless of the type of smoke. If you cannot use the extinguisher without breathing harmful, toxic smoke, retreat and exit the house.  Firefighters have specially designed breathing equipment to fight fires in toxic smoke.

Using a portable fire extinguisher is simple and easy. Make sure you have read and understood the labels on the extinguisher before installing it.  If you have questions, call the fire department for assistance.  Remember the acronym P. A. S. S. to operate a fire extinguisher.

(P)ull – Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

(A)im – Point the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire.

(S)queeze – Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

(S)weep – Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

An extinguisher is only good if it is located for easy access and maintained properly. 

• Be sure nothing is blocking or limiting your ability to reach it.  Do not store a fire extinguisher inside a cabinet, tucked out of the way.
• Check the gauge monthly to make sure the needle is registering in the proper range according to manufacturer recommendation.
• Inspect the extinguisher, hoses and nozzle for damage or rust.

Once an extinguisher has been used, it must be taken to a licensed fire extinguisher dealer to be refilled and recharged.  Every 6 years if must be taken to a licensed fire extinguisher dealer for hydrotest.

If you have any questions regarding your fire extinguisher, contact the fire department.

For more information regarding fire extinguishers, visit U. S. Fire Administration or NFPA.