How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Purpose

This document provides standard operating guidance for safely and effectively using a fire extinguisher during a house fire emergency. It is based on expert demonstrations and observed common mistakes, and it is intended to help homeowners respond quickly and correctly when a fire occurs.

Scope

This procedure applies to any resident or occupant who may need to respond to a small, contained house fire using a portable fire extinguisher. It covers fire awareness, common mistakes to avoid, proper extinguisher technique, and decision-making about when to fight a fire versus when to evacuate.

Background and Risk Awareness

Before outlining the procedure, it is important to understand the context of fire risk:

• Approximately 1,000 house fires occur in the country every day.
• Fires can be caused by lightning, summer grills, and other common sources.
• FEMA warns that most people who believe they know how to use a fire extinguisher actually do not.
• Fire doubles in size every 60 seconds, so any delay in response significantly increases danger and damage.

Required equipment

• A portable fire extinguisher, in working condition and accessible
• A phone to call 911
• A clear, unobstructed escape route

Common mistakes to avoid

Real-life demonstrations, including tests where homeowners believed they were participating in a family fire drill but were actually being evaluated on extinguisher use, revealed the following common errors:

• Taking too long to pull the pin, which delays the response.
• Standing too far from the flames, which renders the extinguisher ineffective.
• Taking your eyes off the fire while operating the extinguisher.

Safety Note: If you are unable to operate the extinguisher effectively, prioritize evacuating the area immediately rather than continuing to attempt extinguishment.

The image below illustrates the difficulty of this situation: a homeowner attempting to control a rapidly growing fire.

Procedure

Step 1: Assign roles immediately upon discovering a fire

• Designate one person to call 911 immediately to alert emergency services.
• Designate a second person to operate the fire extinguisher only if it is safe to do so.

Safety Note: Always call 911 as soon as a fire is discovered, regardless of whether you plan to fight it yourself.

Step 2: Assess whether the fire is safe to fight

• Confirm the fire is small, contained, and still in its very early stages.
• Confirm you have a clear, unobstructed escape route before attempting to use the extinguisher.
• If the fire is no longer in its early stages, is growing rapidly, or you are unsure, do not attempt to fight it. Evacuate immediately.

Step 3: Apply the PASS method to operate the extinguisher

Follow the PASS method in sequence:

• P – Pull the pin to unlock the extinguisher.
• A – Aim the nozzle directly at the base of the flames, not at the top of the fire.
• S – Squeeze the trigger/handle to release the extinguishing agent.
• S – Sweep the nozzle from side to side to cover the entire area of the fire.

The image below demonstrates a fire safety instructor correctly performing the PASS method.

Verification: When the PASS method is performed correctly, the fire can be successfully extinguished. Confirm the flames are fully out before leaving the area.

Step 4: Evacuate if the fire cannot be controlled

• If the fire is too large, spreading quickly, or beyond your ability to control, stop attempting to extinguish it.
• Leave the area immediately and move toward a clear, illuminated exit.
• Wait outside for professional firefighters to arrive.

The image below shows the correct evacuation response when a fire is beyond control.

Safety Note: Fire safety professionals, including those from the Bergen County Fire Academy, emphasize the importance of learning how to use a fire extinguisher before an emergency occurs, not during one.

Summary of key actions

• Familiarize yourself with your fire extinguisher's operation before an emergency happens.
• Assign one person to call 911 and another to operate the extinguisher, if safe.
• Use the PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
• Only attempt to extinguish very small, contained fires with a clear escape route available.
• Evacuate immediately if the fire grows, spreads rapidly, or you feel unsafe.
• Never take your eyes off the fire while operating the extinguisher, and do not stand too far from the flames.
• Always prioritize personal safety over property, and call for professional help without delay.