When using a fire extinguisher, where should you aim?

When using a fire extinguisher, where should you aim?

• A. At the base of the fire, not at the flames.
• B. At the flames.
• C. At the smoke.
• D. At the top.

Answer: (A)

Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. The extinguishing agent needs to reach the fuel source to stop the fire by cooling the fuel, smothering the fire, or interrupting the chemical reactions. Sweeping the base covers the area where the fire is sustained, cutting off the heat and fuel supply so the fire can be knocked down. Aiming at the flames or at the smoke doesn’t effectively remove the fuel or stop the burning, and aiming at the top misses the critical zone where the fuel is feeding the fire.

Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. The extinguishing agent needs to reach the fuel source to stop the fire by cooling the fuel, smothering the fire, or interrupting the chemical reactions. Sweeping the base covers the area where the fire is sustained, cutting off the heat and fuel supply so the fire can be knocked down. Aiming at the flames or at the smoke doesn’t effectively remove the fuel or stop the burning, and aiming at the top misses the critical zone where the fuel is feeding the fire.