A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or suppressing it until the fire department arrives. These portable fire extinguishers, however, have limitations. They are not designed to fight large fires or fires that are spreading quickly. Most portable extinguishers sold for home or office use have a short range (6-10 feet) and discharge in a very short time (8-10 seconds). They are appropriate for fighting such fires as a stove-top or oven fire, or a fire in a wastebasket if the fire is caught in the early stages.  Portable extinguishers will do little against a large or well established fire. Even against small fires, they are useful only under certain conditions and require proper training.

TO OPERATE A PORTABLE EXTINGUISHER
PASS  (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)

1. Pull the pin
2. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
3. Squeeze the handle
4. Sweep the nozzle from side to side at base of fire