How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Fire! It is a scary word, isn't it? 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!

Steps

1. 1
   

   Call for help before attempting to extinguish a fire.
   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.

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   • Call, or have someone else call, 911 in North America, 999 in the United Kingdom, 112 in the European Union and many other countries (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.
2. 2
   

   Check for your own safety before starting to extinguish a fire.
   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.
3. 3
   

   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 fire extinguisher use.
   • Use your instincts. If your instincts tell you the fire's too dangerous to tackle, trust them.^[5]
4. 4
   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.
   • 

     Class A: This is suitable for cloth, wood, rubber, paper, various plastics, and regular combustible fires.
     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.
     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.
     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.
     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.
     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.
5. 5
   

   Ready the fire extinguisher.
   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 use: be aware of this in advance of having to use them.
6. 6
   

   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.
7. 7
   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.
   • The fire may flare up somewhat as extinguishing begins, due to the flames being pushed away from the burning material (the real target) by the agent and gust of propellant. Do not be alarmed so long as it dies back promptly.
8. 8
   

   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]
9. 9
   

   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. Water can be used to ensure there are no remaining sparks in materials that are safe to extinguish with water (most combustibles other than oils and other insoluble combustible liquids or places involving electricity). The fire department could help you ensure the fire is completely extinguished. If you're legally obliged to report fires to local authorities, then do so, especially if filing for an insurance claim.
10. 10
    

    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. Do not allow an empty extinguisher to be present where it could create the false impression of being a good extinguisher. A multi-purpose extinguisher is best for a home; check that it is labeled by an independent testing laboratory.^[7] Some fire extinguishers can be recharged; for smaller ones replacing may be cheaper.
    • 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).

    
    

Accidents happen. Be prepared to fight your own fire by learning how to use a fire extinguisher.

Tips

• Many local fire departments will happily demonstrate to you how to use a fire extinguisher. Call your local one to find out more. You will need to set up a time to do this. Many towns have monthly demonstrations. That can prove helpful.
• Remove fuel, oxygen or heat to eliminate the fire. If one of those 3 elements are missing the chemical reaction to create fire can not occur.
• Always have a household plan of escape in the event of fire, as well as working smoke alarms in place. A carbon monoxide detector can be useful also.
• 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.
• Don't use fire extinguishers if there isn't a fire or if you're not training.

Things You'll Need

• Fire extinguisher
• Exits for safety
• Fire blanket - Always remember, stop, drop and roll to put out fires on your body (for added flame smothering assistance)

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Fire-Extinguisher

How to Put out a Fire

Fires can destroy property and maim or kill its victims. Learn how to protect yourself from this dangerous phenomenon with these fire extinguishing methods.

Steps

1. 1
   Consider the reason for extinguishing the fire. If it is a small cookfire or campfire, simply dousing it with water and covering it with soil, where available, will do the trick, but for a brush fire in dry conditions, drastic measures taken quickly can prevent a disaster.

   
   

2. 2
   Decide immediately whether the threat of the fire spreading exists and if the proper authorities should be notified. Use common sense, particularly, be certain you can contain the fire if you choose to do it without reporting it.
   • Consider the size of the fire. The forestry department, fire department, or fire brigade probably won't be needed to extinguish a campfire or small trash fire.
   • Look at the potential fuel available to the fire. If the fire is near a wooded area with thick, dry underbrush that is easily combustible, even if the fire is small, the fire department should probably be called.
   • See how the wind may effect the fire. Gusty or high winds can drive a fire, as well as accelerating the burn rate. If calm conditions exist and are expected to continue, you will have a better chance of controlling the blaze.
   • Think about the potential for damage. If you are dealing with a blaze in an unpopulated area with little or no fuel available, the risks are not as great, and being in an agricultural area with plowed or green fields can decrease the likelihood of a fire becoming out of control. If, on the other hand, the fire will quickly spread to an inhabited area or a wilderness where controlling it would be difficult, the risks are much greater.
3. 3
   Call friends, family, or neighbors if you are able and they are available. This will give you help for fighting the blaze, as well as making someone available in the event you have an accident or become injured.
4. 4
   Look at what resources are available to contain the fire. If you are near a source of water from a pressurized system, and have sufficient hoses available, use them to extinguish minor fires, and wet the potential fuel in the immediate area.
5. 5
   Use a tool to create a "fire break" if no water is available. Dig a shallow trench around the perimeter of the blaze, or scrape potential fuel away, exposing bare earth. Concentrate on the area "down wind" of the flames, since the wind will push the blaze in that direction.
6. 6
   Use heavy equipment, if available, to create a larger firebreak if the situation warrants it. A farm tractor with a disk, a bull dozer, or other equipment can quickly establish a sizeable fire break.
7. 7
   Use buckets, pots, or other containers to carry water to the blaze if no other fire fighting equipment is available, and a stream or pond, or other source of water is nearby.
8. 8
   Be prepared to evacuate the area if danger reaches an unacceptable level. If you must flee a fire, choose a path which can be traversed quickly and easily, away from the path of the fire. If smoke and heat becomes intense, cover your mouth with your shirt, preferably wetting it first.

Tips

• When deciding how to attack the fire, consider your own physical limitations.
• Keep cookfires, campfires, and trashfires under constant observation and close control. Before lighting a fire, make sure you have sufficient water and tools to extinguish it completely.
• Using bare earth for a fire pit or fire containment may be preferable to using rocks, since rocks may expand and even explode if heated too much.
• If there is oil or electrical fire, then do not use water to put it. In such case, use fire extinguisher or some other equippment.

Warnings

• Leave a path for escape when fighting a fire.
• If you have any doubt of your ability to control or extinguish a fire, contact the authorities before proceeding.
• Do not pour water on a grease fire. The oil floats on the water and will spread the fire.
• Do not try to put out an electrical fire unless the power is off.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• A few containers to carry water
• Tools for clearing fuel from the path of the fire.

http://www.wikihow.com/Put-out-a-Fire