A fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives. The size of a fire can double every minute, so every second counts. Consider installing one or more fire extinguishers in your home and becoming familiar with how to properly operate and maintain them.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are labeled using standard letter or picture symbols that correlate to the type of fire they are designed for. There are five common types of fire extinguishers. A multipurpose fire extinguisher rated “A-B-C” is recommended for home use. If you're purchasing one for your business, consider what class of fire your business may encounter. Additionally, look for a fire extinguisher that you can easily lift—larger extinguishers may pack more power, but you must be able to use it properly.

Fire Extinguisher Types and Uses:

• Class A: Ordinary materials (e.g., wood, cloth and paper)
• Class B: Flammable liquids (e.g., grease, gasoline and oil)
• Class C: Electrical equipment (e.g., circuit breakers and appliances)
• Class D: Flammable metals (e.g., magnesium and aluminum)
• Class K: Cooking media (e.g., vegetable oils and animal fats)

An infographic highlighting the different types of fire extinguishers (Ver en Español).

before Using a fire extinguisher

In the event of a fire, it can be tempting to reach for a fire extinguisher right away; however, there are a few important steps that need to occur beforehand:

1. Identify your escape routes. If you can't put out a fire, you’ll need to make a safe exit. Consider this when determining where to store your fire extinguisher. You'll want to have multiple escape options identified.
2. Warn all members of your household. Make sure everyone in your home is aware of the fire so they can start evacuating right away.
3. Call 9-1-1. The fire department will be on their way in case the fire grows out of control. Upon arrival, they will be able to inspect the site of the fire to ensure that it is completely extinguished.
4. Assess the fire. It is best to use a fire extinguisher on a fire that is small, contained, not rapidly growing, and in an area that is not yet filled with smoke.

How to use a fire extinguisher

SJFD's Fire Engineer Kevin Schriver provides us with an overview of fire extinguishers.

Once you've completed the initial steps listed above, you're now ready to use the fire extinguisher. Only adults who know how to operate a fire extinguisher should use one. We do not recommend that children be instructed on how to operate fire extinguishers, as they may lack the physical strength and maturity to understand when and how to safely use it.

1. Stand back. Face the fire and keep your back to the clear exit you previously identified. You should stay between six and eight feet away from the flames as you prepare to operate the fire extinguisher.
2. Discharge the fire extinguisher. Remember the acronym P.A.S.S.:
   
   1. Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
   2. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
   3. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
   4. Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
3. Get to a safe place. Once the fire is out, or if you are unable to extinguish the fire, leave the scene and find safety. Call 9-1-1 if you have not already done so.
   

How to store a fire extinguisher

To ensure that your fire extinguisher remains in proper working order, it's important to practice good storage techniques:

• Keep it easily accessible. Be sure nothing is blocking or limiting your ability to reach it. Install extinguishers no more than five feet off the ground, near an exit, and away from heat sources. Extinguishers should be easily accessible to adults who know how to operate them, but kept away from children's curious hands.
• Inspect fire extinguishers monthly. Make sure the can, hoses, and nozzles aren’t damaged, dented, or rusted. Ensure that the pressure gauge is in the “green” zone, which indicates that the pressure is adequate.
• Properly dispose of old or used fire extinguishers. You can dispose of fire extinguishers through the County of Santa Clara's Household Hazardous Waste program. Visit www.hhw.org to learn more.
• Read the instruction manual. Different types of fire extinguishers may operate a little differently. Some need to be shaken monthly, others need to be pressure tested every few years. Furthermore, some fire extinguishers are refillable, while others are not.
• Keep it clean. Remove any dust, oil or grease that might be on the outside of the extinguisher.

Where to store a fire extinguisher

Certain areas in your home may pose greater fire risks than others. In order to not lose valuable time during a fire, we recommend that you identify the high-risk areas in your home and install fire extinguishers in these key locations. Consider installing fire extinguishers in the following locations:

• Kitchen: The most important room to store a fire extinguisher in is the kitchen, as cooking in the kitchen is the leading cause of reported home fires.* The presence of stoves, grease, and high-wattage appliances make this a high-risk area.
• Each Floor: If you live in a multi-level home, you should have a fire extinguisher accessible on each floor.
• Garage: The presence of high-wattage workshop tools and flammable materials, such as paint, oil, and gasoline, make this a high-risk area.
• Laundry Room: The high heat generated from a gas or electric powered dryer, in combination with highly-flammable lint, poses another fire risk in your home.
• Patio and Grill: If you have a barbecue grill or a fire pit, keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Other Areas: Keep a fire extinguisher within reach of any fireplaces, chimneys, wood stoves, furnaces, and any other sources of heat in your home.