How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are useful tools for putting out certain kinds of small fires. Firefighters stress, however, that their value is limited to small fires that are not spreading rapidly. With or without an extinguisher, the most important safety tip in the event of fire is to get out of the burning building.

What Kind of Extinguisher?

It's important to make sure you have the correct kind of extinguisher; not all extinguishers work on all types of fires. Look for extinguishers rated "ABC"; these are effective on most types of fire:

• Class A fires, (ones that leave an ash), involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, trash, clothing, etc.
• Class B fires, (ones that boil), involving flammable liquids such as gasoline or grease.
• Class C fires (ones that involve a current) are energized electrical fires.

Keep extinguishers along the escape route in a home, near likely sources of fire (the kitchen, fireplace or furnace room, for example). Keep them out of reach of children. Do not locate extinguishers too close to where a fire may be prone to develop; you might not be able to reach it.

Using Extinguishers Properly

Use an extinguisher only if:

• You have first called the Fire Department.
• The fire is small and not spreading.
• The fire is not between you and your exit.
• You know the extinguisher is the correct type for what's burning.
• The extinguisher is in working order.
• You know how to use it. It's too late to read the instructions when the fire is burning.

To operate the extinguisher properly, remember to PASS:

• Pull the pin.
• Aim low, toward the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the trigger slowly and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

The Baltimore County Fire Department's Office of Community Awareness and Safety Education offers a program on proper fire extinguisher use. The National Fire Protection Association also provides detailed information on fire extinguishers.

Revised February 12, 2007