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Using a fire extinguisher

Getting out comes first. Use an extinguisher only on a small fire that isn't spreading (a wastebasket, a pan) after others are alerted and 911 has been called, and only with a clear exit behind you. Then remember PASS: Pull the pin, Aim low at the base, Squeeze slowly and evenly, Sweep side to side. If it isn't out fast, leave.

Easy10 min to learn, seconds to use$$ for a home extinguisherChecked October 3, 2026

What to know

Buy the right one. For a home, get a multipurpose extinguisher, labeled "A-B-C," that's big enough for a small fire but not too heavy for you to handle, and that carries an independent testing lab's label. Source: NFPA USFA says to look for "UL Listed" or "ULC Listed". Source: U.S. Fire Administration
Put it near an exit, and read its instructions now, before there's a fire. Local fire departments often offer hands-on training. Source: NFPA
When there's a fire, run the checklist. Have I alerted others? Has someone called 911? Am I physically able? Is the fire small and contained to one object, like a pan or wastebasket? Am I safe from the smoke? Do I have a clear way out? Use the extinguisher only if every answer is yes. Source: U.S. Fire Administration
Stand with your back to a clear exit, so the fire, heat and smoke can never get between you and the way out. Source: OSHA NFPA
Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the lock. Source: U.S. Fire Administration Pulling it also breaks the tamper seal. Source: OSHA
Aim low, at the base of the fire, not the flames. Source: U.S. Fire Administration
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly, and sweep the nozzle from side to side. Source: U.S. Fire Administration until the fire appears to be out Source: OSHA
Back away and watch it. If it flares up again, repeat. If the extinguisher runs empty and the fire isn't out, or the fire grows, get out right away. Source: OSHA

Watch out An extinguisher holds only a little agent, and it can empty in a matter of seconds. Fires can grow and block your exit in seconds too, so try only very small, early fires. Source: OSHA If you're unsure, alert others, leave and call 911 from outside. Source: U.S. Fire Administration

See it done

Fire Extinguisher Tutorial Northwest Fire District · Length 2:13 · 2024 · Checked October 2, 2026

Video blocked on this network? You don't need it. The written steps are the whole lesson, and the video is extra. Watch it on YouTube later.

If it doesn't work

Pan on fire on the stove? Cover it with a lid or baking sheet. That puts it out. Source: U.S. Fire Administration Turn off the burner.
Room filling with smoke? Leave immediately. Source: NFPA
Gauge needle out of the green? Many extinguishers have a gauge that shows when pressure is too high or too low. Some can be recharged, and others need replacing. Source: U.S. Fire Administration
Used it, even for a second? It may not have enough left for next time. Check whether yours can be recharged or needs replacing. Source: U.S. Fire Administration
Using a CO2 extinguisher? Don't touch the plastic discharge horn. It gets very cold and can hurt your skin. Source: OSHA

Good to know

Reading the label

Class A is for ordinary materials like wood, paper and cloth. Class B is for flammable liquids like grease, gasoline and oil-based paint. Class C is for plugged-in electrical equipment, and its agent doesn't conduct electricity. On a label like 1A:10B:C, the 1 means the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of water on a Class A fire, and the 10 means it can put out a Class B fire up to 10 square feet. Source: U.S. Fire Administration

A monthly look

Check that nothing blocks it, the pressure gauge reads right, the can, hose and nozzle aren't dented or rusted, and the outside is clean. Some models need shaking monthly, and others need pressure testing every few years. Follow the instructions. Source: U.S. Fire Administration

Who shouldn't use one

Young children and older adults shouldn't use fire extinguishers. Source: U.S. Fire Administration NFPA doesn't recommend teaching children to use them at all. Their job is to get out and stay out. Source: NFPA

It's not the plan, it's part of it

The main part of any fire plan is getting out safely. Every household needs an escape plan and working smoke alarms. Source: NFPA See Testing your smoke alarms.

Say it to yourself (made-up example)

"Out? Called? Small? Exit behind me? Yes, yes, yes, yes. Pull, aim low, squeeze, sweep. Not going out? Leave."

Sources

U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA) Choosing and using fire extinguishers
National Fire Protection Association Fire extinguisher information
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Fire extinguisher use
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Fight or flee?
U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA) Cooking fire safety

Lesson T1.5 · Last checked October 3, 2026 against the sources listed.

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