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How to Correctly Use a Fire Extinguisher

Tap a step to see what it involves.

  1. Pull the Pin

    Before use, pull the safety pin located at the top of the extinguisher handle, which unlocks the operating lever and allows the extinguisher to be discharged.

  2. Aim at the Base of the Fire

    Point the nozzle or hose at the base of the flames rather than at the visible flames themselves, since the base is where the actual fuel source is burning.

  3. Squeeze the Handle

    Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly to release the extinguishing agent, standing at a safe distance of roughly 2 meters (6 feet) or more from the fire before doing so.

  4. Sweep Side to Side

    Move the nozzle in a steady, sweeping side-to-side motion across the base of the fire until the flames are completely extinguished, continuing to watch for any reignition afterward.

  5. When Not to Attempt to Use One

    A fire extinguisher should only be used on a small, contained, early-stage fire — if a fire is already large, spreading rapidly, or producing heavy smoke, evacuating immediately and calling emergency services is the safer choice.

  6. Basic Maintenance Reminders

    Fire extinguishers should be checked periodically to confirm the pressure gauge shows they remain properly charged, and many types have an expiration or recommended replacement date that should be tracked.

Why the PASS acronym is widely taught

The PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) is widely taught by fire safety organizations because it condenses the correct operating sequence into an easy-to-remember acronym, which is especially valuable in the high-stress, time-pressured moment of an actual fire emergency when clear thinking can be difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all fire extinguishers work on all types of fires?

No — different fire extinguisher types are rated for different fire classes (such as ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, or electrical fires), and using the wrong type on certain fires, particularly grease or electrical fires, can be dangerous or ineffective.

How close should I stand when using a fire extinguisher?

A commonly recommended starting distance is around 2 meters (6 feet) from the fire, close enough for the extinguishing agent to be effective but far enough to maintain a safety margin, moving closer only as the fire is brought under control.