Fire extinguishers are vital safety devices that can help prevent small fires from turning into large, uncontrollable blazes.
Found in homes, workplaces, schools, and public buildings, these portable tools are designed to put out or control fires in their early stages.
In the right hands, a fire extinguisher can save lives, reduce property damage, and prevent serious injury.
However, owning or seeing a fire extinguisher is not enough, knowing how and when to use one is equally important.
But how do you use a fire extinguisher?
This guide provides a simple, step-by-step overview of how to use the main types of fire extinguishers, including water, foam, CO₂, dry powder, and wet chemical models.
It also explains when it’s safe to attempt to tackle a fire and when it’s best to evacuate.
With this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to respond calmly and effectively in an emergency situation, should the need ever arise.
A fire extinguisher can be a powerful tool when used correctly, but it’s important to know when it’s safe to use one when fire fighting.
Not all fires should be tackled with a handheld extinguisher, and attempting to do so at the wrong time can be dangerous.
You should only use a fire extinguisher if:
Never attempt to use a fire extinguisher if the fire is spreading rapidly, if thick smoke is filling the room, or if your exit is blocked.
In these situations, your priority should be to evacuate safely and wait for emergency services to arrive.
Fire extinguishers are only effective in the early stages of a fire.
Acting quickly and using the correct technique can stop a fire from growing, but safety must always come first.
If in doubt, get out, stay out, and let the professionals handle it.
Your life is always more important than property.
In an emergency, knowing how to use a fire extinguisher correctly can help you act quickly and safely.
Different classes of fire require different extinguishers, and using the wrong one can be dangerous.
Below is a detailed guide on how to use each of the five main types of fire extinguishers commonly found.
Always remember the basic fire extinguisher steps: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep (P.A.S.S.), but be sure to follow the correct method for each type.
Suitable for: Class A fires – solid combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, and cardboard.
Water fire extinguishers are the simplest to use and are often seen in offices, schools, and shops.
They work by cooling the burning material and lowering the temperature, stopping the fire from spreading.
To use a water fire extinguisher:
Do not use on: Fires involving flammable liquids, live electrical equipment, or cooking oil, as water can make these fires worse and pose a serious shock risk.
Suitable for: Class B fires – flammable liquids (like petrol or paint) and electrical fires.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) fire extinguishers work by displacing oxygen, which smothers the fire and removes the heat with a freezing gas discharge.
They are ideal for server rooms, workshops, and places with lots of electrical equipment.
To use a CO₂ fire extinguisher:
Never hold the plastic discharge horn directly, as it becomes extremely cold during use and can cause frostbite.
Do not use on: Class A fires, as the gas won’t cool the material enough to prevent re-ignition.
Suitable for: Class A and B fires – solids like paper and fabric, and flammable liquids like petrol.
Foam extinguishers work by creating a blanket of foam over the burning material.
This cools the fire and seals the surface to prevent oxygen from fuelling it further.
They are commonly used in garages, warehouses, and workshops.
To use a foam fire extinguisher:
For flammable liquid fires, never spray directly onto the surface of the liquid, as this can cause it to splash and spread.
Instead, aim at a nearby surface so the foam gently flows over the fire.
Do not use on: Electrical fires unless the extinguisher is specifically labelled as safe for such use.
Suitable for: Class A, B, and C fires – solids, liquids, and flammable gases, as well as electrical equipment.
Dry powder extinguishers are versatile and commonly found in garages, fuel storage areas, and vehicles.
They work by forming a barrier between the fuel and oxygen, effectively suffocating the fire.
To use a dry powder fire extinguisher:
Dry powder can be messy and reduce visibility in enclosed spaces.
If possible, only use in well-ventilated areas, and be cautious when indoors.
The powder can also damage electronics, so avoid using it around sensitive equipment unless absolutely necessary.
Do not use on: Fires in enclosed spaces unless ventilation is good, due to risk of breathing in fine particles.
Suitable for: Class F fires – cooking oils and fats.
Wet chemical extinguishers are specially designed for use in kitchens where deep fat fryers are present.
They work by cooling the burning oil and creating a thick layer of foam that stops oxygen from reaching the surface.
To use a wet chemical fire extinguisher:
After the flames are out, leave the area and wait for emergency services to inspect the site.
Never try to move a burning pan or use water on an oil fire, it can cause the flames to flare up or spread violently.
Do not use on: Flammable liquids or electrical fires unless the extinguisher is clearly marked for multi-class use.
You should now have an answer to the question of how do you use a fire extinguisher.
Understanding how to use a fire extinguisher is a valuable skill that can make a life-saving difference in the early moments of a fire.
Fires can spread quickly, and reacting with speed and confidence, using the correct extinguisher and proper technique can help contain the danger before it grows out of control.
However, not all fires are the same. Using the wrong extinguisher on the wrong type of fire can make the situation worse.
Fire extinguishers must also be regularly inspected and maintained.
Make sure they are in working order, have not passed their expiry date, and are easy to reach in an emergency.
Finally, always remember: personal safety comes first. If the fire is too large, spreading quickly, or producing heavy smoke, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.
A fire extinguisher is a tool, not a replacement for professional help.
Being prepared, staying calm, and knowing your limits are key to fire safety.
