Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets

Most fires are preventable and all fires need three things to start:

  1. a source of ignition (heat): for example, heaters, lighting, electrical equipment, naked flames, cigarettes, matches
  2. a source of fuel (something that burns): for example, wood, paper, plastic, packaging, waste, furniture, rubber
  3. oxygen (all of the air around us)

Fire extinguishers

No single type of extinguisher is effective on every kind of fire. So before buying a fire extinguisher, look carefully at what type of fire it may be used on:

  1. Water extinguishers: suited for most fires except for flammable liquids (which will help to spread the fire) and electrical equipment (water is a conductor of electricity and could cause injury).
  2. Dry powder extinguishers: suited to fires involving flammable liquids and electrical appliances. This type of fire extinguisher smothers by cutting off its oxygen supply.
  3. Carbon dioxide extinguishers: suitable for flammable liquids and electrical equipment. This type of fire extinguisher also smothers by cutting off its oxygen supply.
  4. Foam extinguishers: suited for most fires involving flammable liquids. Again it works by smothering the fire, as well as cooling down and damping the flames.  

How to use a fire extinguisher

  1. First, identify the correct type of fire extinguisher to be used. 
  2. Before using, make sure you have your back to a clear exit passage. While facing the fire, stay 6-8 feet away from the flames and then operate the extinguisher using the next step.
  3. Stay calm and follow the PASS approach given as: 
    1. P: Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher. It will break its seal. 
    2. A: Aim the nozzle on the hose low, toward the base of the fire. 
    3. S: Squeeze the handle or lever to discharge the extinguisher.
    4. S: Sweep the nozzle back and forth. Keep the fire extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire. Move it from side to side until the flames are exhausted completely. 
  4. Repeat the process: If the flames start up again, repeat the PASS approach till the fire is completely out. 

When not to use the fire extinguisher

There are certain conditions when you should not attempt to fight the fire with an extinguisher. There are:

  • If you only have a water extinguisher and the fire is due to flammable liquids or electrical equipment. 
  • When the fire is too large.
  • If the fire involves flammable solvents or is partially behind a wall or ceiling.
  • When the evacuation paths are blocked by flames or smoke.
  • When the smoke makes it unsafe to breathe.
  • When the radiated heat makes the environment too hot or smoky.

When to replace a fire extinguisher

Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and the expiry date on the fire extinguisher for when to replace it. If the fire extinguisher is damaged or used to put out a fire it should be replaced immediately.

Fire blankets

Fire blankets are made of a sheet of woven fire-resistant material designed to extinguish small fires. They work by smothering the fire and cutting off its oxygen supply.

Fire blankets are stored in a wall-mounted case or pouch for quick access in a fire emergency. They should be installed in an easily identifiable location alongside an appropriate fire extinguisher. 

For example, fire blankets are particular for putting out fires involving cooking oils. Therefore, it may be appropriate to install your fire blanket in the kitchen alongside a dry powder, carbon dioxide or foam extinguisher. 

How to use a fire blanket

To use a fire blanket, turn off the heat source if possible. Pull the tapes downwards to release the fire blanket from its container. Wrap the corners of the blanket around your hands to protect them from the fire and place the blanket over the object that is on fire. Leave the blanket in place until the fire is out and the object is cool.

When to replace a fire blanket

Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for when to replace the blanket. Fire blankets should be visually inspected every year to make sure it is not damaged or worn and is clean. If the fire blanket is damaged or used to put out a fire it should be replaced immediately.

Further information

For more information on fire safety take a look at our guidance on fire safety at home, fire safety for businesses, and more fire safety topics under this Fire Safety and Prevention section.