Fire extinguishers: Test your knowledge

3 minutes
Un extincteur de feu

5:37: You’re cooking supper. 5:50: You smell smoke and you barely manage to prevent your supper from burning.

6:00: You remember that you have a fire extinguisher. Where is it, anyway? And does it still work?

Read on and you’ll find out a bit more about portable fire extinguishers just like yours!

Which portable fire extinguisher should I get?

Yes, there's more than one type.

The truth is there are many types for various needs. Some are rechargeable, others must be replaced after 12 years. The date of manufacture is found on the bottom.

Take a look at your extinguisher to find out its class. You'll want an ABC dry chemical extinguisher.

This type puts out fires caused by:

  • Ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, plastics, etc. (Class A).
  • Flammable liquids and gases such as oils, solvent, gasoline, etc. (Class B)
  • Live electrical equipment (Class C)

What do the experts say?

  • Look for a minimum classification of 2-A:10-B:C. This code means the equivalent of 2 gallons of water against Class A fires, and up to 10 square feet for Class B fires. The higher the number, the greater the extinguisher’s capacity.
  • Choose a 5 or 10 lb model for your home because the 2.5 lb models don’t have enough capacity. On the other hand, the 20 lb ones are heavy, making them difficult to handle.
Read the signs

Check if your extinguisher has a ULC label from UL Solutions in Canada (This hyperlink will open in a new tab). This certification confirms that it complies with Canadian standards.

Where should I keep my extinguisher?

Keep your extinguisher handy, near an exit. Make sure it is visible and easily accessible.

Store it far from potential fire hazards such as your stove or your heating appliances.

In addition…

  • Mount the extinguisher on a wall bracket at least 10 cm from the ground, and no more than 1.5 m (5 feet) above it.
  • Post the operating instructions next to it.
  • Never take the labels off an extinguisher because they contain important info.

What should I do first in case of fire?

If the fire is growing out of control, call the fire department. Home extinguishers are only designed to contain small fires and keep you safe until the professionals arrive.

Fight the fire only if you are confident and you know...

  • what is burning
  • what will put the fire out
  • how to use a fire extinguisher

Let’s imagine there is a small fire. How you react will depend on the type of fire. Here are a few examples:

  • A cigarette lights the bedding. Start with water to see if the burning material can be put out.
  • Cooking oil in a frying pan ignites: Put a lid on the pan to smother the flame. Never use water on grease fires: It will fuel the fire.
  • Plugged-in extension cord: Use your ABC extinguisher. Even if the powder damages the appliance, it’s much better than water, which conducts electricity.

What is the PASS system?

It’s a way to remember how to use an extinguisher.

  1. P: Pull the pin
  2. A: Aim the nozzle or hose
  3. S: Squeeze the lever or top handle
  4. S: Sweep the fire area with the extinguisher’s spray

Good to know: Extinguishers will spray for 10 to 25 seconds (e.g. 13 seconds for a common 5 lb ABC extinguisher with a reach of 2 to 3 m). You need to stand in the right place for the spray to be effective!

What if I never need to use it?

Great! Your extinguisher is like a first aid kit. It’s important to keep it handy, and know how to use it, but hopefully you never have to.