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Fire Extinguishers

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If this is an emergency, dial 9-1-1. Do not wait.

Use an extinguisher only if:

The fire is small, confined, and not spreading
Everyone else has left or is leaving the building
The fire department has been called
You can fight the fire with your back to a safe escape route
The extinguisher matches the type of fire
You know how to operate the extinguisher

Do not fight fire under any other circumstance. Leave the building immediately, close the door behind you and call 9-1-1.

fire extinguisher

Types of Extinguishers

There are 3 common classes of fire extinguishers available for home fire use. Fire extinguishers must be labelled to show the class of fire they can extinguish. Your extinguisher must match the type of that could occur. For general household use, we recommend a multi-purpose ABC type extinguisher.

Class A: Ordinary combustibles including paper, wood, drapes and upholstery
Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oils, solvents, paints and flammable gases
Class C: Electrical fires involving energized electrical material such as power tools, appliances TV's and electrical motors

Fire extinguishers also have a number rating. These standards are based on measured in imperial units. For type A fires, a 1 would stand for 1 1/4 gallons of water, a 2 would represent 2 1/2 gallons, 3 would be 3 3/4 gallons of water etc. For type B and type C fire, the number represents square feet. For example 2 would be two square feet, 5 is fire square feet, etc.

Using a fire extinguisher

There is a simple acronym to remember to operate most fire extinguishers; the acronym is P.A.S.S. P-A-S-S stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.

PULL out the locking pin, breaking the seal. Some extinguishers may use a different release device. Please refer to your operator's manual
AIM the nozzle horn (or hose) at the base of the fire about 3 metres (10 feet) from the fire
SQUEEZE the trigger handle all the way, releasing the extinguishing agent
SWEEP the material discharged by the extinguisher from side to side, moving front to back, across the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Keep your eyes on fire area. Repeat the process if the fire starts up again. Never turn your back on a fire even if you think it is out

Limitations

Portable fire extinguishers have limited applications against small fires. When used properly, an extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until firefighters arrive. Fire extinguishers do not replace the need to call Oshawa Fire Services. Always call 9-1-1 first when a fire occurs, no matter how small.

Fire extinguishers are not designed for use on large or spreading fires. Even on small fires, they are effective only under the following conditions:

The extinguisher must be rated for the type of fire being extinguished
The extinguisher must be large enough for the fire at hand
The extinguisher must be in good working order, fully charged and within easy reach
The operator must be trained in the proper use of the extinguisher
The operator must be physically capable of lifting, handling and operating the extinguisher

Take care of your extinguishers

Extinguishers require regular care. Learn how to inspect your extinguisher by reading your operator's manual. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. Remember to recharge reusable extinguishers and replace disposable models after every use.

Where should I install my extinguishers

Install your extinguishers in plain view, above the reach of children, near an exit route, and away from stoves and heating appliances. Ideal locations for your extinguishers are in the kitchen, workshop, upstairs and at the top of a basement stairwell.

Fire Extinguishers

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