JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
A portable fire extinguisher can stop a small fire from becoming a disaster, but safety officials stress it should never replace a quick and safe evacuation.
“Fire spreads faster than most people realize,” said Marcus Armstrong, fire protection inspector at JBSA-Randolph. “A fire extinguisher can help with very small, contained fires, but your first priority should always be getting out safely.”
Armstrong said every household should have working smoke alarms and a practiced home fire escape plan. Extinguishers serve as a secondary layer of protection and are only effective under the right conditions.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, residents should use a portable fire extinguisher only if the fire is small and contained, everyone has exited the building, 911 has been called, and the area is not filled with smoke.
Knowing when to use an extinguisher is just as important as knowing how to operate one, NFPA officials said.
The NFPA recommends remembering the acronym PASS:
- Pull the pin,
- Aim low at the base of the fire,
- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly, and
- Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
“If smoke fills the room or the fire begins to spread, leave immediately,” Armstrong said. “Close doors behind you and let firefighters handle the situation.”
For home use, Armstrong recommends a multipurpose extinguisher that is large enough to handle a small fire but light enough to operate safely. Extinguishers should carry the label of an independent testing laboratory, and users should read the instructions before an emergency occurs.
The NFPA states that when using an extinguisher, individuals should keep their back to a clear exit to allow for a quick escape if the fire cannot be controlled.
NFPA officials also advise against training children to use fire extinguishers. Instead, children should follow the directive to “get out and stay out,” as they may lack the strength, coordination and judgment needed to fight a fire safely.
“Fire extinguishers are one part of a larger fire response plan,” Armstrong said. “Working smoke alarms and a practiced escape plan save lives.”
Fire prevention officials encourage JBSA residents to review their home safety plans and ensure smoke alarms and extinguishers are properly installed and maintained.