Fire Extinguishers: Saving Lives, Protecting Property

How to use a Portable Fire Extinguisher. 

A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user, or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire department. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire.

All extinguishers work in a similar manner, and an easy way of remembering how to use one is the acronym PASS :

• Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher.
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, not at the flames.
• Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent
• Sweep from side to side.  Move toward the fire, aiming low at its base.  Sweep until all flames are extinguished.      

Check out this informative Training Video to Learn More