Monroe County Fire Rescue
Different Fire Extinguishers work for different fires.
What Type of Fire Extinguisher should I use?
Type A- Ordinary Combustibles
Wood, Cloth, rubber, paper, many plastics and other common materials that burn easily.
Type B - Flammable Liquids
Gasoline and other flammable liquids, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paints, lacquer and flammable gas.
Type C - Electrical Equipment
Energized electrical equipment including fuse box circuit breakers, machinery and appliances.
Type D - Combustible Metals
Metal and metal dust used or produced industrially.
Type ABC - Multi Purpose
Multi-purpose extinguishers are rated for more than one type of fire. ABC Extinguishers put out most types of fires that could start in your home - wood, paper, cloth, flammable liquid and electrical fires.
Fighting a fire with a fire extinguisher
Dial 911 immediately for ANY size fire.
Fire extinguishers are used to fight SMALL fires only.
NEVER fight a fire if the fire is spreading beyond the immediate area, is already a large fire or if the fire could block your escape route.
NEVER fight a fire if you are unsure of the proper operation of the extinguisher.
NEVER fight a fire if you are in doubt the type of extinguisher is proper for the type of fire.
Make sure that everyone is out of danger.
Size up the fire…
Is it small enough to be handled by a fire extinguisher?
Be prepared to back away from the fire if it gets out of control…always make sure the fire is not between you and your escape route!
Is your extinguisher the right extinguisher for the job? Is it matched to the type of fire?
Is the fire extinguisher fully charged? You can tell by looking at the pressure gauge.
Do you know how to use the extinguisher?
The Pass Method
It is important that you know how to operate the fire extinguisher before you attempt to fight the fire. If you decide to try, remember the word PASS, which stands for:
Pull the pin that unlocks the operating handle
Aim the nozzle of the extinguisher low at the base of the fire
Squeeze the lever on the extinguisher to discharge the agent.
Sweep the nozzle or extinguisher hose from side to side. Move slowly and carefully toward the fire, continuing to sweep the extinguisher back and forth at the base of the flames.
Once the Fire is out
Just because you have extinguished the fire, don’t turn your back on it!
Back away from the fire, watching it to make sure that it does not reignite.
If the fire was in a pan of grease, for example, the grease may be hot enough to reignite.
Fire extinguishers should never be misused or abused.
Maintaining Extinguishers
One of the most important things about a fire extinguisher is to make sure there is enough pressure in it to operate.
This is often indicated by a small gauge near the handle. Usually, an arrow will either point to a green area (enough pressure) or a red area (not enough pressure in the extinguisher).
Everyone is responsible for making sure the extinguishers are in working order.
Each time you pass one by you can glance at the pressure gauge to make sure that it is ready to fight a fire.
Remember to have your extinguishers inspected on an annual basis.
Recharge your extinguisher after EVERY use.
After 6 years, a reputable fire extinguisher company should perform preventive maintenance on your extinguisher.
After 12 years your extinguisher should be tested or replaced.
For Disposable Models- use only once and then throw away. After 12 years, a disposable model should be replaced.
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