Fire Extinguisher ABC's

Do you have fire extinguishers in your home? More importantly, do you know where your fire extinguishers are located and how to use them? When a fire breaks out there is not enough time to go looking for a fire extinguisher. Fire spreads fast. A small flame can turn into a full-blown, life-threatening fire in less than 30 seconds.

More than 3,000 Americans die in fires each year, and on average, seven people die every day from a home fire. Easy access to a fire extinguisher can help prevent a fire from spreading. Every person in your household should be able to find an extinguisher and use it without hesitation. For more ways to lower your risk at home, see our guide to year-round fire prevention habits.

Not all fire extinguishers are the same. Portable fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire they are designed to extinguish. There are five basic classes: A, B, C, D, and K.

Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials, such as cloth, wood, paper, rubber, and many plastics.

Class B fires involve flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, alcohol, oil-based paints, and lacquers.

Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment.

Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium.

Class K fires involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances.

Most portable extinguishers are rated for use with more than one class of fire. For example, an extinguisher with an ABC rating is suitable for use with fires involving ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and energized electrical equipment.

When operating a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS: P stands for pulling the pin, A is for aiming the nozzle towards the fire’s base, S is for squeezing the handle to release the extinguishing agent, and the second S refers to sweeping the nozzle. Be sure to distance yourself from the fire, standing six to eight feet back.

Portable fire extinguishers can be effective in the early stages of a fire but cannot put out larger fires. A typical home-size extinguisher has a 6 to 10 foot spray range and will discharge in as little as 8 to 10 seconds, so don’t wait to act, but don’t expect it to last long, either. If you cannot control the fire or do not know how to use a fire extinguisher, evacuate! Get out, stay out, and call 911.