When detected early portable fire extinguishers can put out small fires, saving lives and property. Watch the training video below, from Santa Clara County Fire Department to learn how to operate a portable fire extinguisher.
To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym P.A.S.S.
- Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and twist the pin to break the plastic locking strap.
- Aim the extinguisher. Point or aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle. Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher.
- Sweep from side to side. Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep from side to side, pushing the fire away from you.
Safety Precautions
Keep in mind the following safety precautions if attempting to extinguish a small fire:
- Be sure you have the correct fire extinguisher for the type of fire and know how to use it.
- Maintain your exit. Leave yourself a way out in case the fire gets out of control.
- Have a backup person standing by whenever possible in case assistance is needed.
- Stop and leave the area immediately if you experience any physical problems such as dizziness or difficulty breathing.
- Call the fire department to inspect the area even if you think a fire is out. A fire may reignite or still be smoldering where it cannot be seen.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
When using a fire extinguisher, it’s important to know the characteristics of different fire extinguishers.
Class of Fire | Description |
---|---|
Class A | Class A extinguishers are designed to put out fires in ordinary combustible materials, such as firewood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics. A Class A extinguisher will serve you best if you keep it near a fireplace. |
Class B | Class B extinguishers are used when a fire's fuel source is a combustible gas or liquid, such as gasoline, ethanol, propane, petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and flammable gases. Keep a Class B extinguisher in your garage, workshop, or shed. |
Class C | Class C extinguishers are used for electrical fires. Until the electrical source is cut off, the fire can continue to burn. Never put water on an electrical fire - it won't put the fire out and it could lead to electrocution. |
Class D | Class D extinguishers are used for fires caused by combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium. |
Class K | Class K extinguishers are used for fire in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats). |
When looking for a home fire extinguisher, consider buying an all-purpose or multi-rated extinguisher, labeled “ABC.” This means the extinguisher can be used on Class A, B, and C fires. Try to have at least one extinguisher on each floor, so it’s available in case of emergency.
To Recharge or Service Fire Extinguishers
LAHCFD and the Santa Clara County Fire Department DO NOT recharge fire extinguishers. If you’d like to have your fire extinguisher inspected or recharged, many vendors are available who provide this service. An online search should provide multiple options, including some local to the Los Altos Hills area.
Please note, that not all fire extinguishers can be recharged. Only specific metal extinguishers that are manufactured to be repressurized can be recharged. Most commercial occupancies have a rechargeable extinguisher, but they usually are not found in-home use. Plastic extinguishers cannot be recharged and are usually recycled as hazardous waste because they are pressurized.
The fire extinguisher manufacturer or an inspector should be able to tell you if your extinguisher is rechargeable.