Fire extinguishers can be a valuable tool in protecting life and property if used correctly. They can completely extinguish a small fire or slow its progress until the fire department arrives.

You need to know how to use your extinguisher now ... before a fire starts. You won't have time to read the label during an emergency.

Check the label now. . .

Your extinguisher must be rated for the type of fire or "class". Look for symbols that indicate your extinguisher's class and rating. For example, wood and paper fires require a Class A extinguisher. However, the Stockton Fire Department would recommend a rating of "2" over a rating of "1". This means a 2A extinguisher has more fire fighting capability than a 1A. Extinguishers can be purchased with multiple classes and ratings.

Understand the different types of fire extinguishers ...

Water-Based - for use on Class A fires only.

Carbon Dioxide - a clean agent type for use on Class B and Class C fires.

Halogenated Agent - another clean agent type (Halon 1211) for use on Class B and Class C fires.

Foam - including aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and film-forming fluoroprotein foam (FFFP) for use on Class A and Class B fires.

Dry Chemical - for use on Class B and Class C fires.

K Class - for use on Class B and Class C commercial kitchen grease and oil fires.

Multipurpose Dry Chemical - for use on Class A , Class B, and Class C fires.

Dry Powder - for use on Class D metal fires such as powdered aluminum or sodium.

Never use an extinguisher on a fire that it is not rated for. For example, a Class A extinguisher used on a flammable liquid or energized electrical fire would be a very dangerous mistake!

Meet the minimum requirements . . .

To meet the minimum requirements, you will need one 2-A:10-B:C extinguisher for each 3000 square feet or 75 feet travel distance. Hazardous occupancies must meet additional extinguisher requirements. Fire extinguishers are normally placed near exits to lessen the risk of being trapped in the building.

Should you fight the fire? Only fight a fire if the fire is small and confined to the immediate area where it started such as a wastebasket, cushion, small appliance, or stove. and your extinguisher is rated for the type of fire you are fighting.

Proceed only if you have had training in use of the extinguisher and are confident that you can operate it effectively. If so, you must then:

• Sound the alarm, make sure everyone has left or is leaving the building.
• Call 9-1-1 to notify the Fire Department.