What Should I Do If I Have to Use a Fire Extinguisher?

Using a fire extinguisher can feel scary in the moment; Your heart is racing, and you want to help, but you don't want to make things worse.

The good news is that using a fire extinguisher is not complicated. The hard part is knowing when to use it, how to use it, and when to stop and get out.

Knowing what to do in these tense situations can be difficult, so we've broken it down into a few simple steps. Following these will help you to make informed, and smart choices, which is your best shot at staying safe and potentially saving your assets.

1: Make Sure It Is Safe

Before you touch the extinguisher, ask yourself a few quick questions:

• Is the fire small?
• Do I have a clear path to the exit?
• Do I know what kind of extinguisher this is?
• Am I safe enough to try?

That is one of the biggest mistakes people make. They wait too long, or they try to fight a fire that has already gotten too big.

2: Use the PASS Method

If the fire is still small and safe to fight, use the PASS method.

P — Pull

Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher. This unlocks it.

A — Aim

Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, not at the flames above it.

S — Squeeze

Squeeze the handle to release the agent.

S — Sweep

Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire until it looks out.

3: Stand in the Right Spot

Do not walk right up to the fire. Start a safe distance back and move closer only if needed.

Also, always keep the exit behind you. That way, if the fire grows or the extinguisher does not work, you can leave fast.

4: Watch the Fire Closely

Even if the flames go down, the fire may not be fully out.

Look for:

• smoke still coming up
• flames starting again
• heat still building
• burning material under the surface

If the fire starts back up, stop if it is no longer safe and get out. Do not stay and "hope it works." If the extinguisher empties and the fire is still going, leave right away.

5: After You Use the Extinguisher

Once the fire is out or you are safely outside, call 911 if you have not already.

Then remember this: a used extinguisher needs service or replacement, even if you only used a little bit of it. Many people think they can just put it back on the wall and forget about it. That is a bad idea.

If the unit was discharged at all, it needs attention before it can be trusted again.

Keep It Simple

If you ever have to use a fire extinguisher, keep it simple.

Make sure the fire is small. Make sure you have a safe way out. Then remember PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

If the fire is growing, the smoke is getting heavy, or the extinguisher is not working, stop and get out. Your first job is not to save the building. Your first job is to stay alive and safe.

At Pro Fire and Safety, we help customers find fire extinguishers that fit the real risks in their homes, shops, kitchens, and businesses. If you need help choosing the right extinguisher or replacing one that has been used, we are here to help.

For the Pros: If your company needs dependable extinguishers, service parts, or wholesale pricing, HedrickPro makes it easier to stock the gear your customers count on.