Tools · Hand tools and quick fixes

Using a fire extinguisher

Getting out comes first. Use an extinguisher only on a small fire that isn't spreading (a wastebasket, a pan) after others are alerted and 911 has been called, and only with a clear exit behind you. Then remember PASS: Pull the pin, Aim low at the base, Squeeze slowly and evenly, Sweep side to side. If it isn't out fast, leave.

Easy10 min to learn, seconds to use$$ for a home extinguisherChecked October 3, 2026

You'll need

A multipurpose (A-B-C) extinguisher with a testing-lab label
A spot for it near an exit, not behind the stove
A pan lid or baking sheet by the stove
Your home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms

What to know

Buy the right one. For a home, get a multipurpose extinguisher, labeled "A-B-C," that's big enough for a small fire but not too heavy for you to handle, and that carries an independent testing lab's label. Source: NFPA² USFA says to look for "UL Listed" or "ULC Listed". Source: U.S. Fire Admin.¹
Put it near an exit, and read its instructions now, before there's a fire. Local fire departments often offer hands-on training. Source: NFPA²
When there's a fire, run the checklist. Have I alerted others? Has someone called 911? Am I physically able? Is the fire small and contained to one object, like a pan or wastebasket? Am I safe from the smoke? Do I have a clear way out? Use the extinguisher only if every answer is yes. Source: U.S. Fire Admin.¹
Stand with your back to a clear exit, so the fire, heat and smoke can never get between you and the way out. Source: OSHA NFPA³²
Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the lock. Source: U.S. Fire Admin.¹ Pulling it also breaks the tamper seal. Source: OSHA³
Aim low, at the base of the fire, not the flames. Source: U.S. Fire Admin.¹
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly, and sweep the nozzle from side to side. Source: U.S. Fire Admin.¹ until the fire appears to be out Source: OSHA³
Back away and watch it. If it flares up again, repeat. If the extinguisher runs empty and the fire isn't out, or the fire grows, get out right away. Source: OSHA³

Watch out An extinguisher holds only a little agent, and it can empty in a matter of seconds. Fires can grow and block your exit in seconds too, so try only very small, early fires. Source: OSHA⁴ If you're unsure, alert others, leave and call 911 from outside. Source: U.S. Fire Admin.¹

See it done

Video by Northwest Fire District Government

Fire Extinguisher Tutorial

Watch on YouTube: Fire Extinguisher Tutorial

2024 · Checked October 3, 2026

Video won't load at school or work? No problem. Everything you need is in the steps; the video's just a bonus. Watch it on YouTube later.

If it doesn't work

Pan on fire on the stove? Cover it with a lid or baking sheet. That puts it out. Source: U.S. Fire Admin.⁵ Turn off the burner.
Room filling with smoke? Leave immediately. Source: NFPA²
Gauge needle out of the green? Many extinguishers have a gauge that shows when pressure is too high or too low. Some can be recharged, and others need replacing. Source: U.S. Fire Admin.¹
Used it, even for a second? It may not have enough left for next time. Check whether yours can be recharged or needs replacing. Source: U.S. Fire Admin.¹
Using a CO2 extinguisher? Don't touch the plastic discharge horn. It gets very cold and can hurt your skin. Source: OSHA³

Good to know

The details, if you want them. Tap a line to open it.

Reading the label

Class A is for ordinary materials like wood, paper and cloth. Class B is for flammable liquids like grease, gasoline and oil-based paint. Class C is for plugged-in electrical equipment, and its agent doesn't conduct electricity. On a label like 1A:10B:C, the 1 means the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of water on a Class A fire, and the 10 means it can put out a Class B fire up to 10 square feet. Source: U.S. Fire Admin.¹

A monthly look

Check that nothing blocks it, the pressure gauge reads right, the can, hose and nozzle aren't dented or rusted, and the outside is clean. Some models need shaking monthly, and others need pressure testing every few years. Follow the instructions. Source: U.S. Fire Admin.¹

Who shouldn't use one

Young children and older adults shouldn't use fire extinguishers. Source: U.S. Fire Admin.¹ NFPA doesn't recommend teaching children to use them at all. Their job is to get out and stay out. Source: NFPA²

It's not the plan, it's part of it

The main part of any fire plan is getting out safely. Every household needs an escape plan and working smoke alarms. Source: NFPA² See Testing your smoke alarms.

Say it to yourself (made-up example)

"Out? Called? Small? Exit behind me? Yes, yes, yes, yes. Pull, aim low, squeeze, sweep. Not going out? Leave."

Take it with you

Printable card Download card (PDF)

Sources

U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA) Choosing and using fire extinguishers
National Fire Protection Association Fire extinguisher information
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Fire extinguisher use
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Fight or flee?
U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA) Cooking fire safety

Lesson T1.5 · Last checked October 3, 2026 against the sources listed.

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