Choosing your Extinguisher

Fire Extinguishers are tested by independent laboratories and labeled for the type and size of fire they can extinguish. Use these labels as a guide to purchase the kind of extinguisher that suits your needs.  The recommended extinguisher for home use is the multipurpose type.

Classes of Fires

Class A:  Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, and paper

Class B:  Flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, and oil-based paint

Class C:  Energized electrical equipment, including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, and applicances. 

The extinguisher must be appropriate for the type of fire being fought. If you use the wrong extinguisher, you can endanger yourself and make the fire worse. Multipurpose fire extinguishers marked ABC may be used on all three classes of fires.

Extinguisher Sizes

Portable extinguishers are also rated for the size of fire they can handle. This rating will appear on the label.  For example: 2A:10B:C. The  larger  the numbers, the larger the fire that the extinguisher can put out, but higher-rated models are often heavier. Make sure you can hold and operate an extinguisher before you buy it.

Installation and Maintenance

Extinguishers should be installed in plain view, above the reach of children, near an escape route, and away from stoves and heating appliances.  Extinguishers require routine care. Read your operator’s manual to learn how to inspect your extinguisher. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on maintenance. Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use. (Service companies are listed in the Yellow Pages under  “Fire Protection Equipment”.) Disposable fire extinguishers can only be used once and must be replaced after use.

Operation of a Fire Extinguisher

• Keep your back to an unobstructed exit and stand six to eight feet away from the fire.
• Pull the pin.  This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher.
• Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever above the handle.  This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge.
• Sweep from side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.

Should you fight the fire?

      Before you begin to fight a fire:

• Make sure everyone has left, or is leaving the building.
• Make sure the fire department has been called.
• Make sure you have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread.
• Be sure you have read the instructions and know how to use the extinguisher.

For information about Fire Department education programs, please see Safety Education.