U.S. Fire Extinguishers and Facts

A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; however, portable extinguishers have limitations. Because a fire can grow and spread rapidly, the number one priority for workers is their safety.

Safety Tips:

• Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area such as a wastebasket and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called; and the room is not filled with smoke.

• To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
  • Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
  • Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
  • Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

• Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.

• Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher training.

• Install fire extinguishers close to an exit.  Keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately.

• Have the fire extinguisher inspected annually and make sure it is tagged after the inspection.

• Know where to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every workplace should have working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan. The plan should be reviewed with staff and updated when necessary.

U.S. Facts and Figures

• Public fire departments responded to 1,642,500 fires in 2006, an increase of 2.5% from the year before. These include 524,000 structure fires, 278,000 vehicle fires, and 840,500 outside and other fires.

• In 2006, there were 3,245 civilian fire fatalities, 16,400 civilian fire injuries, and $11.3 billion in property losses.

The 2006 U.S. Fire Loss Clock

• A fire department responded to a fire every 19 seconds.
• A building structural fire was reported every 60 seconds.
• A home structural fire was reported every 76 seconds.
• A civilian fire injury was reported every ­­­32 minutes.
• A civilian fire death occurred every 3 hours and 10 minutes.
• An outside fire was reported every 38 seconds.
• A vehicle fire was reported very 113 seconds.

… from the National Fire Protection Association

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