Fire Extinguishers | Burlington

If there's a fire, should you evacuate or fight the fire with an extinguisher? Know when to fight and when to go.

When to use a fire extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are designed to contain or put out a small fire until the fire department can arrive. They are not designed for use on large or spreading fires.

Before you fight any fire, make sure that:

You know how to use the fire extinguisher
Everyone else has left the building and someone is calling 9-1-1
The fire is small, confined and not spreading
You have a clear escape route
You have the right type of extinguisher for the type of fire that is burning

Types of extinguishers

No single fire extinguisher can be used safely and effectively for every type of fire. Some contain chemicals that will not work in certain situations and can even cause harm.

Extinguishers are labeled with symbols or letters for the classes of fire they can put out. Classes are based on what types of combustible materials are in a room. Learn the different classes of fire and check the contents of a room before buying an extinguisher for it.

Dry chemical extinguishers

There are two types of fire extinguishers that use a dry chemical:

Multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers
These use ammonium phosphate as the extinguishing agent. They are effective on A, B, and C class fires. This chemical is corrosive and must be scrubbed from surfaces after use.
Regular dry chemical extinguishers
These use sodium bicarbonate as the extinguishing agent. They are effective on B and C class fires. Sodium bicarbonate is easy to clean and nontoxic.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers

These extinguishers contain liquid CO2 that is discharged as a gas. They are effective on B and C class fires. CO2 does not leave a harmful residue and is environmentally friendly. It is also safe to use around electronics.

Water extinguishers

These extinguishers are suited for A class fires only. In B class fires, the water will spread the flames. In a C class fire, the water is conductive and poses a risk of electric shock to the operator.

Choosing an extinguisher

All fire extinguishers must be:

Rated for the type of fire they can extinguish
Large enough to handle the fire
In working condition and fully charged
Accessible
Used by a properly trained person

How to use

To use an extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS:

Pull the pin or other lever that unlocks the operating
Aim low at the base of the fire
Squeeze the lever or button above the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent
Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side

Always read the instructions that come with a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it before a fire happens.

Questions?

For more information or if you have any questions, please email us or call us at 905-637-8207.