Home Portable Fire Extinguishers

Extinguishers Have Limits

Used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives.
However, portable extinguishers for home use are not designed to fight large or spreading fires. Even against small fires, they are useful only under certain conditions.

• The operator must know how to use the extinguisher. There is no time to read directions during an emergency.
• The extinguisher must be within easy reach, fully charged and in working order.
• The operator must have a clear escape route that will not be blocked by fire.
• The extinguisher must match the type of fire being fought. Extinguishers that contain water are unsuitable for use on grease or electrical fires.
• The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. Many portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as 8 to 10 seconds.

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.

Classes of fires

There are three basic classes of fires. All fire extinguishers are labeled using standard symbols for the classes of fires for which they are designed.

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 appliances.

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. Larger numbers indicate that the extinguisher can be used on larger fires.  Extinguishers designed for larger fires are also much heavier. Make sure you can hold and operate an extinguisher before you buy it. The Salem Fire Department recommends that you have a minimum a 2A:10B-C rated fire extinguisher.

Remember The "PASS"-word

When using an extinguisher on a fire remember to keep your back to an unobstructed exit and stand six to eight feet away from the fire. Follow this four-step PASS procedure.

• Pull the pin.  This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have other lever-release mechanisms.
• Aim low.  Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever about the handle.  This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge.  Some extinguishers have a button instead of a lever.
• 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 reignites, repeat the process.

Should You Fight The Fire?

Before you begin to fight a fire consider the following items:

• Ensure everyone has evacuated the building, or is in the process of evacuating.
• Ensure the fire is confined to a small area and is not spreading.
• Ensure you have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread.
• Ensure you know how to use the fire extinguisher.  The Salem Fire Department offers free training in fire extinguisher use.

If you are not certain of the above circumstances, it would be reckless to fight the fire yourself.  Instead, leave immediately, close off the area, and call 911.