Q&A for How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

To put out a fire without a fire extinguisher, first shut off the power to the source of the fire to ensure it's de-energized. Unplug the appliance or turn off the breaker. Then, if dealing with a grease or oil fire in the kitchen, use a wet towel or metal lid to smother the flames. Never use water on a grease fire, as it can cause the fire to spread rapidly. Take immediate action to extinguish a small fire while prioritizing your safety. Contacting your local fire department or 911 should be your priority if the fire is too big.

Take it to a reputable fire extinguisher company and they will dispose of it for you or tell you how to do it yourself.

Depending on the size of the extinguisher, a distance of about 6-8 feet would work.

It depends on the size of extinguisher. You will typically need to be between 6 and 8 feet away.

Either is fine, but have your back to the fire exit, and aim at the base of the fire.

There is a gauge meter on top of the fire extinguisher. When it goes to red that means it's expired.

No. A child might not be physically strong enough to trigger the extinguisher or to hold one.

It varies, but fire extinguishers usually include the following parts: the container, a handle/lever, a hose with a horn or nozzle, a safety pin and seal, a pressure gauge, a refillable cap, the fire extinguisher contents, and a tube filled with a gas canister or CO2 cartridge.

You can use a shovel and some sand or dirt, if accessible. A wet cloth or towel sometimes works if the fire is small enough.

This could cause a possible danger if somebody accidentally activates the extinguisher. All the pin does is unlock the mechanism, so if everyone in the area is informed about this, it should be OK to keep it. If in doubt, buy a new extinguisher.

It's hard to say with each case, without knowing further details, including just what sound it is you're referring to. Check the extinguisher yourself, inform a professional or replace it. If it is past its useful date, then it must be replaced. If you're scared to use it, then be sure to have a professional check it.

You will see the rest of the extinguishing agent on the end of the hose. Also, if the needle in the pressure guage is on the red, it's been used.

Pull out the safety pins and then press the lever, then sweep it from side to side (you have to stand between 6-8 feet away from the fire). If the fire grows or the fire extinguisher is fully discharged, get out of there.

The gauge is connected to the propellant agent in the cylinder (store-pressure type). If the gauge needle is outside on the "Green Zone" (beside after being used/discharged), there may be some leakage of the propellant agent (usually nitrogen) due to vibration or other factors. If you are not sure, always refer to the manufacturer/authorized agent.

Use it only when a fire is small and contained, doesn't cause excessive smoke, and you are sure you can tackle the fire.

It does not "magically" stick to the wall. Some fire extinguishers are provided with mounting bracket, if they are intended to be mounted on the wall.

It doesn't. It needs supports of some kind.

In that scenario, the agent could short-circuit whatever you tried to extinguish, and you may get electrocuted. Sometimes it could also make the fire much worse.

You'd be better off doing it. When the extinguisher is getting empty, leave the area.

If you have not physical impediment and you are not a child, anybody can use a fire extinguisher. Each extinguisher comes with an information sticker that say how to use it and what it's for. It is worth it to spend some time reading the instructions, for your and everybody's safety.

The exact duration of useful discharge of a fire extinguisher depends on its type and capacity and the date of its last check and service. Older apparatuses tend to have a lesser discharge duration. The type, capacity, and date information is marked on the body of the apparatus.

There is no minimum age. So long as you're able to read the instructions, you should be able to operate the extinguisher correctly.

You can stop the discharge of the fire extinguisher agent by simply releasing the lever.

No, it's best to leave the fire extinguisher behind if you're unable to extinguish the fire completely. It might hinder your escape, endangering you further.

Most of the time, all you'll do is let off a quick burst of the extinguishing compound before you let go. As for the extinguisher itself, if it isn't leaking, you can just put the pin back in and pretend nothing happened.

Always aim at the bottom of the fire. Aiming at the top may not effectively extinguish the fire, and you will run out of product.

The discharge range varies from 6 - 20 feet, but the normal is 8 - 10 feet.

In case of excessive pressure, first coordinate with your team for back up, and while using the fire extinguisher, keep a distance of at least 5 to 6 feet, and your back should be toward the emergency fire exit.