Remember P.A.S.S.

In the event of a fire, we are all confronted with the decision of whether to fight the flames with an extinguisher or evacuate the building immediately.  This is probably the most important decision you will face when a fire breaks out.

If you are not trained in portable extinguisher use, the answer is simple:  you should evacuate immediately and never attempt to fight a fire if you do not have training.

The following video provides a brief demonstration of how to use a portable fire extinguisher:

If you have been trained to use a fire extinguisher, there are still many things to consider when deciding whether to fight the fire or take flight.

Ask yourself the following questions when deciding whether to fight a fire with a portable extinguisher or immediately evacuate the building:

Is the fire small enough to be controlled by a portable extinguisher?

The time to use a portable extinguisher is during the early stages of a fire and when it’s no larger than the size of an office wastebasket. Once a fire starts to spread, your best option is to evacuate the building.  Keep in mind that extinguishers only have about 30 seconds worth of extinguishing agent.

Am I safe from toxic smoke and gases?

Remember that all fires produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless toxic gas. Many fires will produce other toxic gases in addition to carbon monoxide, especially if laboratory chemicals are involved. If the fire is producing large amounts of smoke, or you suspect the fire involves a hazardous material, your best option is to evacuate the building.

Do I have an escape route?

Before attempting to extinguish a fire, always ensure you have a reliable escape route. If you are in a room or confined area, position yourself between the fire and the exit door. In other words, when you are facing the fire the exit door should be at your back, ensuring you are not trapped if the fire is not quickly extinguished.

Do I have the right extinguisher?

Make sure the extinguisher’s label indicates it is rated for use in fighting the type of fuel that is burning, and check if the extinguisher is fully charged. If the extinguisher is not fully charged, or is not the proper type, your best option is to evacuate the building.

What do my instincts tell me?

If you do not feel comfortable trying to extinguish the fire, do not attempt to. Evacuate the building and let the fire department do their job. Remember that firefighters have equipment, training, and experience that you do not possess.

Be sure to pull the fire alarm BEFORE you try to extinguish a small fire. Doing so will activate calls for responders who will be able to help if you run into trouble.

How to Fight the Fire

If you decide to attempt to extinguish the fire, take the following actions:

• Activate the fire alarm system to notify other building occupants of the emergency.
• Dial 911 or instruct someone else to call.
• Position yourself between the fire and your escape route, approximately six to eight feet from the fire.
• Remember the acronym PASS:
  • P – Pull the pin that unlocks the operating handle
  • A – Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
  • S – Squeeze the lever to discharge the extinguishing media.
  • S – Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side, and continue to sweep back and forth at the base of the flames until the fire is out or the extinguisher is empty.

If your suppression efforts are unsuccessful…

• Quickly leave the room, and close the door behind you to confine the fire.
• Evacuate the building, and if possible, inform emergency responders of the fire location and your suppression efforts.

After the Fire is Out

• Monitor conditions for at least 30 minutes to ensure the fire does not reignite.
• Maintain a reliable escape route until the possibility of re-ignition no longer exists.
• Avoid exposure to the extinguishing agent because inhalation of the agent can irritate your respiratory system.

Take flight if you decide not to fight

If you do not attempt to extinguish the fire, your only course of action is to evacuate the building. During evacuation you should take the following actions:

• Evacuate the room and close the door behind you to confine the fire.
• Activate the building fire alarm system to notify other occupants of the facility of the emergency.
• Evacuate the building.
• Call 911 from a safe location.
• Meet at Rally Point at flag pole near the main building entrance.
• Remain outside until notified that the building is safe to re-enter (even if the fire alarm stops sounding).