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Q&A for How to Extinguish a Fire at the Initial Stages

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Question

How do I effectively use a fire extinguisher?

David Decker
Firefighting Expert
David Decker is a Firefighting Expert based in Newark, Ohio. Assistant Chief Decker was a career firefighter for 32+ years at Newark Fire Department and served as an Assistant Chief for 14 years. As Assistant Chief, he was in charge of department operations and training. He is now the owner of Command Vision, a fire training company focusing on incident command. He also has a YouTube channel where he uploads dash-cam videos captured at fire scenes that serve as training material for fire officers who want to expand their knowledge. The channel features over 40 structure fire videos and has garnered 55k followers and more than 15 million views.

David Decker

Firefighting Expert

Expert Answer

Follow the PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. First, pull the pin to unlock the extinguisher. Next, aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, not the flames, because attacking the source is essential to stopping the fire. Then, squeeze the handle firmly to release the extinguishing agent. And finally, sweep the nozzle from side to side across the base of the fire until it's completely out.

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Question

What are the possible ways of extinguishing an electrical fire?

Community Answer

Look for the nearest fire extinguisher. It should be classified by one or more of these classifications: "A" (wood, trash, paper), "B" (oil, gas), "C" (electrical), "D" (metals), and "K" (kitchen). Look for one that has a "C" on it. Use the acronym "PASS" to operate the fire extinguisher. (P)ull the pin, (A)im the hose or nozzle at the base (bottom) of the fire, (S)queeze the handles, (S)weep the hose side to side.

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Question

How do I put out a paper fire in a lab?

Jay Tang

Community Answer

Normally, all science labs are equipped with fire-extinguishing equipment, like fire blankets and extinguishers. The extinguisher should be operated only by a qualified lab technician, as you may risk spreading a fire if you don't know what you're doing.

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Question

What are the three main ways to put out a fire?

Community Answer

Remove the fuel (Starvation), the heat (Cooling), or the oxygen (Smothering).

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Question

What is the operation of the various extinguishers?

Jay Tang

Community Answer

All of the extinguishers have the same steps of operation: pull the safety pin located on the left/right of the handle, grab the hose (if any), aim it at the base of your target and squeeze the handle.

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What is the phone number for the fire department?

Community Answer

That depends on where you are. In the United States, for example, dialing 911 will connect you with emergency help and the fire department.

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Question

What are the classes of fire?

Community Answer

The classes of fire are A (combustible materials), B (flammable liquids), C (flammable gases), D (flammable metals), E/not classified (electrical fire), and F (cooking oils and fats).

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Question

How should I stop an electrical fire?

Community Answer

By means of turning the main power supply off and applying the proper extinguisher, class C, which is dry chemicals powder.

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