BRFA says knowing how to use a well maintained fire extinguisher could save your life

The Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority (BRFA) says kitchen and cooking fires are one of the leading causes of fire and fire death in Canada. There are many aspects to Kitchen Fire Safety, but one very important one is owning a well maintained fire extinguisher, knowing how to use it, and knowing it’s limitations.

Dan Heney, Regional Fire Chief of the BRFA says make sure you “Read the instructions on your extinguisher for proper use.”

Create a picture in your mind that will reflect the instructions on the extinguisher: if there’s a fire, get everyone outside and ask a member of your family to call the fire department from a neighbour’s house, Heney added.

“Only then should you permit yourself to fight a small fire. If the fire becomes large, get out,” Regional Fire Chief Heney said. “Close doors behind you to slow the spread of the fire.”

The ABCD’s of Portable Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher is a storage container for an agent like water or chemicals. It is designed to put out a small fire, not a large one.

Extinguishers are labelled ABC or D. Ensure you use the right extinguisher for the appropriate type of fire.

1. A) Ordinary Combustibles – Fires started with paper, wood, drapes and upholstery require a Class A type extinguisher.
2. B) Flammable and Combustible Liquids – Fires originating from fuel oil, gasoline, paint, grease in a frying pan, solvents and other flammable liquids require a Class B type extinguisher.
3. C) Electrical Equipment – Fires started with wiring, overheated fuse boxes, conductors, and other electrical sources require a Class C type extinguisher.
4. D) Metals – Certain metals such as magnesium and sodium require a special dry powder Class D type extinguisher.

A multi-purpose dry chemical labelled ABC puts out most types of fires: wood, paper, cloth, flammable liquids and electrical fires.

“If you intend to buy more than one, you may want to purchase a BC for the kitchen, an A for the living room and an ABC for the basement and garage,” Regional Fire Chief Heney said.

Buying and Maintaining an Extinguisher

1. Extinguishers come in a dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water, or Halon form. Whatever type you buy, it should be labelled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
2. The higher the number rating on the extinguisher, the more fire it puts out. High rated extinguishers are often (not always) the heavier models. Ensure you can hold and operate the one you buy comfortably.
3. Ask your dealer how to have your extinguisher serviced and inspected. Recharge it after any use. A partially used extinguisher might as well be empty.
4. Extinguishers should be installed near an escape route and away from potential fire hazards.

Learn How to PASS

1. Pull the pin. Some units require the releasing of a lock latch, pressing a puncture lever, inversion or other motion.
2. Aim the extinguisher nozzle (horn) at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze or press the handle.
4. Sweep from side-to-side at the base of the fire and discharge the contents of the extinguisher.

“Foam and water extinguishers require slightly different use,” Heney said. “Read the instructions.”

It’s important to remember that as effective as fire extinguishers can be, they are still essentially a “band-aid” for firefighting.

“You should always call 911 first, and then carefully try to stop or slow the fire with your extinguisher,” Heney concluded.