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Where Should You Aim a Fire Extinguisher's Stream When Extinguishing a Fire?

It is vital to know when, where and how to use a fire extinguisher long before a fire ever begins. Your fire extinguisher must also be fully charged and readily accessible or it is useless. Inspect your fire extinguisher monthly to ensure that it is always in good working order. You have very little time to get out of a building once you see smoke. The extra seconds your fire extinguisher provides will allow you and your loved ones the time you need to escape to safety.

  1. In Plain Sight

    • Your fire extinguisher should always be in plain sight and within arm's reach of an exit. Extinguishers in plain sight are more likely to be replaced when they lose pressure than those that are under sinks, behind pantry items or on top of refrigerators. The extra seconds needed to search for your fire extinguisher could cost your life. Once you grab your fire extinguisher, remember to PASS.

    P = PULL

    • Pull the pin while holding the fire extinguisher by the neck or tank, not by the handle. The pin is in place to prevent accidental use of your fire extinguisher. If you do not pull the pin, nothing will come out of your extinguisher.

    A = AIM

    • Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. Fires require four things to ignite and stay lit: air, fuel, heat and chemical reaction. The foam in your ABC fire extinguisher will cover the fuel, leaving no air to keep it lit. The fire smothers and dies out for as long as the foam lasts. Once the foam is gone, the fire can restart.

      Because fire extinguishers use foam to eliminate usable air to feed the fire, they should never be sprayed at or on people or animals. Instead, wrap a blanket around the person, then stop, drop and roll with him until the flames are gone.

    S = Squeeze

    • Once you have pulled the pin from your fire extinguisher and aimed the nozzle at the base of the fire, it is time to squeeze. Squeeze the two parts of the handle together to release the foam. You have 13 to 18 seconds for every 5 pounds of pressure in your fire extinguisher before the fire will reach you once again. Always keep the exit at your back and have a buddy ready to call for help if you do not come out of the building within the first minute after you see, smell or hear signs of fire.

    S = Sweep

    • It is not enough to point your fire extinguisher and squeeze the handle. Sweep the stream of foam back and forth along the entire base of the fire. This powdered foam coating keeps the fuel in the fire from starting again.

    Backing Away

    • If you cannot back away from a fire to get to an exit, you should not attempt to fight it. Never allow the fire to get between you and the exit. It can take as little as 90 seconds from the time you see or smell smoke until the house is fully engulfed in flames. If you cannot exit safely, do not attempt to fight the fire.

    Have (and Use) a Plan

    • Have a fire evacuation plan. Mark all exit routes on a sheet of paper. Show the main escape route and one or more alternates. Alternatives can include windows, ductwork, connecting doors or sliding walls.

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