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QuestionHow do I put off a fire if I don't have a fire extinguisher?
David DeckerDavid Decker is a Firefighting Expert based in Newark, Ohio. Assistant Chief Decker was a career firefighter for 32+ years at Newark Fire Department and served as an Assistant Chief for 14 years. As Assistant Chief, he was in charge of department operations and training. He is now the owner of Command Vision, a fire training company focusing on incident command. He also has a YouTube channel where he uploads dash-cam videos captured at fire scenes that serve as training material for fire officers who want to expand their knowledge. The channel features over 40 structure fire videos and has garnered 55k followers and more than 15 million views.
Firefighting ExpertTo 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. -
QuestionHow do I dispose of a used extinguisher?
Community AnswerTake it to a reputable fire extinguisher company and they will dispose of it for you or tell you how to do it yourself. -
QuestionFrom what distance should I use the fire extinguisher?
Community AnswerDepending on the size of the extinguisher, a distance of about 6-8 feet would work. -
QuestionHow far away should I be while using fire extinguisher?
Community AnswerIt depends on the size of extinguisher. You will typically need to be between 6 and 8 feet away. -
QuestionWhere should I be when using the extinguisher, in front of or behind the fire?
Community AnswerEither is fine, but have your back to the fire exit, and aim at the base of the fire.
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QuestionHow do I know if a fire extinguisher is expired?
Community AnswerThere is a gauge meter on top of the fire extinguisher. When it goes to red that means it's expired.
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QuestionCan a child use a fire extinguisher safely?
Community AnswerNo. A child might not be physically strong enough to trigger the extinguisher or to hold one.
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QuestionWhat are the different parts of a fire extinguisher?
Community AnswerIt 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.
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QuestionWhat can be used in place of an extinguisher?
Community AnswerYou can use a shovel and some sand or dirt, if accessible. A wet cloth or towel sometimes works if the fire is small enough.
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QuestionWhat do I do if I pulled the pin on the extinguisher, but the extinguisher wasn't needed?
Community AnswerThis 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. -
QuestionIs it harmful if there is a sound coming from a previously used fire extinguisher?
Community AnswerIt'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.
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QuestionHow do I know if the fire extinguisher was used or not?
Community AnswerYou 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.
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QuestionWhat does the operator need to do first in order to discharge a CO2 portable fire extinguisher?
Community AnswerPull 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.
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QuestionWhat else could put the gauge into the red zone?
Community AnswerThe 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.
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QuestionWhen should I use a fire extinguisher?
Community AnswerUse it only when a fire is small and contained, doesn't cause excessive smoke, and you are sure you can tackle the fire.
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QuestionHow does the fire extinguisher magically stick to the wall when the guy puts it there?
Community AnswerIt 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.
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QuestionHow does the fire extinguisher stay on the wall without supports?
Community AnswerIt doesn't. It needs supports of some kind.
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QuestionWhat happens if I use the wrong type of extinguisher on a fire (e.g. Type A on an electrical fire)?
Community AnswerIn 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.
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QuestionWhen using a fire extinguisher, should all of the contents be used?
John Isaac CalderonCommunity AnswerYou'd be better off doing it. When the extinguisher is getting empty, leave the area. -
QuestionHow I can identify qualified persons to use a fire extinguisher?
Community AnswerIf 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.
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QuestionHow long does a fire extinguisher last when being used?
Community AnswerThe 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.
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QuestionHow old should I be to use a fire extinguisher?
Community AnswerThere is no minimum age. So long as you're able to read the instructions, you should be able to operate the extinguisher correctly.
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QuestionHow do I stop a fire extinguisher?
Community AnswerYou can stop the discharge of the fire extinguisher agent by simply releasing the lever.
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QuestionAfter using the extinguisher, should I carry it with me?
Community AnswerNo, 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.
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QuestionWhat should be done if a fire extinguisher is accidentally squeezed and the pin is unlocked?
Community AnswerMost 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.
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QuestionWhen I use a fire extinguisher, do I need to aim at the top or the bottom of the fire?
Community AnswerAlways aim at the bottom of the fire. Aiming at the top may not effectively extinguish the fire, and you will run out of product.
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QuestionHow much distance does the fire extinguisher cover?
Community AnswerThe discharge range varies from 6 - 20 feet, but the normal is 8 - 10 feet.
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QuestionHow should I direct a fire extinguisher with excessive pressure
Community AnswerIn 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.
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