How To: Extinguish a small fire with the PASS method

Joel Wulf with the Bremerton Fire Department discusses the right way to use a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers are safe and effective for use on small fires, but the entire contents are discharged in 10 to 15 seconds so you should never put yourself in danger by trying to use one to put out a large fire. They are given a letter rating, A, B or C, according to the type of fire they are to be used on. The A rating is for ordinary combustibles such as paper or wood; B is used for flammable combustibles like gas; and C is for electrical fires like a toaster. When using a fire extinguisher, remember PASS - Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames, Squeeze the trigger, and Sweep at the base of the fire. It's important to remember to always keep an exit between you and the fire. If the fire grows fast or gets too large, get out immediately, and shut the door on your way out. Last but not least, keep the extinguisher where you can get to it easily.