Most people have walked past a fire extinguisher hundreds of times without ever holding one. In a fire, there is no time to read the label. Learning the four steps now takes two minutes, and it can save a home, a shop or a life.
Short answer: remember PASS. Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep from side to side. Keep your exit behind you, and leave if the fire does not go down quickly.
First: should you fight the fire?
A portable extinguisher is for a small fire that has just started: a bin, a pan, a small pile of cloth, a socket. Fight it only if all of these are true:
- The alarm has been raised, or someone is calling for help.
- The fire is small, about the size of a waste bin, and not spreading fast.
- You have a clear way out behind you.
- The room is not filling with smoke.
- You have the right type of extinguisher for what is burning.
If any of these is not true, leave, close the door behind you, and call the fire service on 999 or 16163.
The four steps: PASS
1. Pull the pin
Hold the extinguisher upright. Pull out the safety pin, which breaks the small plastic seal. Do not squeeze the handle while you pull.
2. Aim at the base of the fire
Stand two to three metres away. Point the nozzle or horn at the bottom of the flames, where the fuel is burning, not at the flames themselves. Spraying the flames does little.
3. Squeeze the handle
Squeeze slowly and evenly. Most extinguishers empty in well under a minute, so do not waste it before you are in position.
4. Sweep from side to side
Move the nozzle across the base of the fire until it looks out. Move closer as it gets smaller. Watch the area afterwards, because a fire can start again.
Notes for each type
ABC dry powder: works on most fires and is safe on electrical equipment. It makes a thick cloud, so you may not see well for a moment. Clean the powder up afterwards.
ABC Dry Powder Fire ExtinguisherPrice on requestGet a price
CO2: for electrical fires. Hold it only by the handle, because the horn gets very cold. Do not use it in a small closed room with people inside.
CO2 Fire ExtinguisherPrice on requestGet a price
Foam: for fuel and oil. Do not aim straight into a pool of burning fuel, because it splashes. Aim at a wall or the edge so the foam flows over the surface.
Cooking oil: never use water. Turn off the stove if you safely can, and cover the pan with a fire blanket.
Not sure which type you have? Read Fire Extinguisher Types: Which One Do You Need?
After you use it
- Even if the fire is out, tell the fire service or your building’s fire team, so someone checks that it has not spread inside a wall or ceiling.
- Have the extinguisher refilled, even if you used only a little. A part-used extinguisher may not work next time.
- Air the room before staying in it, especially after CO2 or powder.
Teach everyone, not just one person
The person nearest the fire is the one who has to act. Show everyone at home or at work where the extinguishers are and how PASS works. In a factory or office, include it in the fire drill, and let people practise with a training extinguisher. Check each extinguisher monthly: it should be in place, sealed, and the gauge needle in the green. Our guide Fire Extinguisher Refill and Servicing gives a simple schedule.
Common questions
What does PASS stand for?
Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep from side to side.
How far should I stand from the fire?
About two to three metres at first, moving closer as the fire gets smaller. Keep your exit behind you.
How long does a fire extinguisher last when used?
Only a short time, often well under a minute depending on its size. That is why you aim before you squeeze.
Do I need to refill an extinguisher after a short use?
Yes. Any use, even a short one, means it must be refilled before it can be relied on again.
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