Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by David Decker and by How.com.vn staff writer, Aly Rusciano. 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.
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Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher could save lives in an emergency. The key to putting out a fire with an extinguisher is to use the PASS strategy: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. In this article, we’ll teach you how to follow the PASS method of putting out a fire. Plus, we’ll explain other safety precautions and measures such as when to use a fire extinguisher and what type of extinguisher to use.
Things You Should Know
- PULL the pin out of the fire extinguisher’s handle.
- AIM the nozzle at the base of the flames.
- SQUEEZE or press the handles together to activate the extinguisher.
- SWEEP or move the nozzle side to side at the base of the flames.
Steps
Putting Out a Fire with PASS
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Direct someone to call 911 or call them yourself. Evacuate everybody from the area first. Then, tell somebody to call the fire department or emergency services once that person is safely outside. Even if you're able to extinguish the fire on your own, it’s best to have the fire department on the way in case something happens.[1]- When the fire department arrives, they can ensure that the fire has been extinguished properly. Just because something looks safe doesn’t necessarily mean it is.[2]
Locate the nearest exit and stand with your back to it. Before using a fire extinguisher to extinguish a fire, it’s important to take some safety precautions. Locate the closest exit, and position yourself so your back is toward it. This will make it easier for you to escape if you have to leave quickly in an emergency.[3]Advertisement
Pull the pin. The first step of PASS is “pull.” Every fire extinguisher has a pin inserted in the handle that prevents the fire extinguisher from being discharged by accident. Grab the ring and pull the pin out from the side of the handle.[4]- Now that the extinguisher is ready to discharge, point the nozzle away from you.
- Fire extinguishers in non-residential or high/medium density residential areas may have a zip tie attached to the pin to let the fire department know they've been used. The zip tie is made to be easily broken.
Aim the hose at the base of the fire. The second step of PASS is “aim.” Hold the lower handle lever (the carrying handle) with one hand and grab the hose or nozzle with the other. Point the hose directly at the base of the fire.[5]- Avoid aiming the hose at the flames. This isn't the fuel source, and you won't get much progress.
- With carbon dioxide extinguishers, keep your hands away from the plastic discharge horn, which gets extremely cold.
Squeeze the lever. The third step of PASS is “squeeze.” To release the extinguishing agent, squeeze the levers together with one hand while aiming the hose at the base of the fire with the other. Apply slow and even pressure when you squeeze the levers.[6]- To stop the extinguisher, let go of the levers.
Sweep the hose from side to side. The final step of PASS is “sweep.” To extinguish all the fuel, slowly move the hose back and forth over the base of the fire while squeezing the levers. Move closer to the fire as the flames die down.[7]- Continue discharging until the fire goes out. This includes any glowing embers, which can reignite.
Back away and repeat if the flames flare up. Watch the fire closely to ensure the flames don’t flare up again. Back away slightly if they do. Aim the hose again, squeeze the lever, and sweep the hose across the base of the fire again to extinguish it.[8]- Never turn your back on a fire. Always be vigilant about where the fire is and what it’s doing.
Leave immediately if you're unable to extinguish the fire. The average extinguisher will have enough agent inside for about 10 seconds of use. Back away and leave immediately if the fire isn't out when the extinguisher is fully discharged.[9]
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow do I put off a fire if I don't have a fire extinguisher?
David DeckerDavid 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.
Firefighting ExpertTo put out a fire without a fire extinguisher, first shut off the power to the source of the fire to ensure it's de-energized. Unplug the appliance or turn off the breaker. Then, if dealing with a grease or oil fire in the kitchen, use a wet towel or metal lid to smother the flames. Never use water on a grease fire, as it can cause the fire to spread rapidly. Take immediate action to extinguish a small fire while prioritizing your safety. Contacting your local fire department or 911 should be your priority if the fire is too big. - QuestionHow do I dispose of a used extinguisher?
Community AnswerTake it to a reputable fire extinguisher company and they will dispose of it for you or tell you how to do it yourself. - QuestionFrom what distance should I use the fire extinguisher?Community AnswerDepending on the size of the extinguisher, a distance of about 6-8 feet would work.
Video
Tips
- Many local fire departments will happily demonstrate proper fire extinguisher use. Call your local department to set up an appointment or to find out about upcoming public demonstrations.[15]Thanks
Warnings
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about disaster preparedness, check out our in-depth interview with David Decker.
References
- ↑ https://www.ready.gov/home-fires
- ↑ https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/678/documents/FPB/safetyinformation/HowToUseAFireExtinguisher-ProvidedbyDenverFireDept.pdf
- ↑ https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/fire-safety-equipment.html#Fire-Extinguishers
- ↑ https://blink.ucsd.edu/safety/fire/extinguisher/use.html#3.-Use-the-P-A-S-S-procedure.
- ↑ https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/fire-safety-equipment.html#Fire-Extinguishers
- ↑ https://blink.ucsd.edu/safety/fire/extinguisher/use.html#3.-Use-the-P-A-S-S-procedure.
- ↑ https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/678/documents/FPB/safetyinformation/HowToUseAFireExtinguisher-ProvidedbyDenverFireDept.pdf
- ↑ https://blink.ucsd.edu/safety/fire/extinguisher/use.html#3.-Use-the-P-A-S-S-procedure.
- ↑ https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/risk-management/employees-must-trained-to-use-fire-extinguishers
- ↑ https://blink.ucsd.edu/safety/fire/extinguisher/use.html#2.-Determine-if-it-is-safe-to-u
- ↑ https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/fire-extinguishers
- ↑ https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/fire-extinguishers
- ↑ https://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/environmental-health-safety/programs-services/fire-safety/fire-extinguishers.aspx
- ↑ https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2023/08/01/fire-extinguisher-types
- ↑ https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/fire-extinguishers
- ↑ https://safety.fsu.edu/safety_manual/Safety%20Precautions%20before%20Using%20a%20Fire%20Extinguisher.pdf
- ↑ https://safety.fsu.edu/safety_manual/Safety%20Precautions%20before%20Using%20a%20Fire%20Extinguisher.pdf
About This Article
To use a fire extinguisher, start by grabbing the small ring on the handle and pulling on it to remove the pin. Then, aim the hose at the base of the fire and squeeze the 2 levers at the top of the extinguisher together to release the extinguishing agent. Sweep the hose from side to side while continuing to point the hose at the base of the fire. If the extinguisher runs out of agent and the fire is still going, leave immediately. To learn important fire extinguisher safety tips, keep reading.
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