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Used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save
lives and property by extinguishing a small fire or
containing it until the fire department arrives. Portable
fire extinguishers, however, are not designed to fight large
or spreading fires.
Reactions to a fire can determine whether or not the
incident is controlled. Following established procedures is
critical to saving lives and property. It is important that
employees learn appropriate emergency procedures.
Before deciding to fight a fire follow RACE:
- Rescue anyone in immediate danger and
remove the person to a safe area;
- Activate the building fire alarm, then
call 911 or 9-911 from a safe location and report the fire;
- Confine the fire by closing all doors;
- Evacuate if the fire is spreading
beyond the point of origin or the fire could block your exit
or you are not sure how to use an extinguisher;
- Extinguish the fire if you have
activated the fire alarm and closed doors, the fire is small
and contained, you have a clear exit from the fire and you
have been trained on the proper use of an extinguisher
within the last year.
Remember -- fire spreads quickly. If you cannot
extinguish it in 30 seconds, get yourself out.
To chose the proper extinguisher:
- For ordinary fires involving solids such as wood,
paper, and cloth, choose a water or dry chemical
extinguisher with a label that says Class A. Do not use
water on flammable liquid or electrical fires.
- For fires involving flammable liquids, choose a dry
chemical or carbon dioxide extinguisher with a label that
says Class B. Never use a water extinguisher.
- For fires involving active electrical equipment,
choose a dry chemical or carbon dioxide extinguisher with a
label that says Class C. Never use a water extinguisher.
- For fires involving metals, chose a graphite
extinguisher with label that says Class D or use sand. Never
use an A, B, or C extinguisher on this type of fire.
- For fires involving cooking equipment such as deep
fat fryer chose a wet chemical extinguisher with a label
that says Class K. Never use a water extinguisher.
To use an extinguisher
 
Remember the acronym PASS,
keep a clear exit behind you and stand 6-8 feet away from
the fire.
- Pull the pin to activate the handle.
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handle to expel the
extinguishing agent. (When the agent first hits the fire,
the fire may briefly flare up. This should be expected.)
- Sweep the extinguishing agent from side
to side pushing the fire away from you. Discharge the entire
contents of the extinguisher.
Once the fire is out, the user should carefully back away
from the fire with the extinguisher ready until the user is
safe. Never turn your back on fire as it could flare back
up.
When to Fight a Fire
The only time a fire extinguisher should be used to fight
a fire is when the fire department has been notified, there
is a clear exit behind the person using the extinguisher and
the fire is small, self-contained, and not spreading
rapidly.
Never Fight a Fire
Never attempt to extinguish a fire with a fire
extinguisher until after the fire alarm has been
activated and occupants are evacuating the building.
If the fire is spreading beyond
the point where it started.
If you don’t know what is
burning – then you won’t know what type of fire extinguisher
to use.
If there is not an escape exit
behind the person attempting to fight the fire.
If the fire can block the only
exit.
If you might inhale toxic smoke.
If the individual is not
thoroughly familiar with effective fire extinguisher use.
If the available fire
extinguisher is not rated for the type of fire being fought.
If your instincts tell you not
to. If you are uncomfortable with the situation for any
reason, get out and let the fire department fight the fire.
If you have any questions or if you’d
like to schedule extinguisher training, call the Denton
County Fire Marshal’s Office at (940) 349-2840.
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