Palestine Fire Department 
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Fire Extinguishers
Portable Fire Extinguishers:
When used properly, portable fire extinguishers can help save lives and property. They are also useful in containing small fires until the fire department arrives.
Portable home fire extinguishers are not designed to extinguish large or spreading fires. Even against small fires, they are useful only under certain conditions. Before using a portable fire extinguisher, be sure the fire department has been notified. A few things to remember are.
Extinguisher sizes:
Portable extinguishers are also rated for the size of fire they can handle. This rating is a number from 1 to 40 for Class A fires and 1 to 640 for Class B fires. The rating will appear on the label. The larger the number, the larger the fire extinguisher can put out. Higher-rated models are often heavier. Make sure you can hold and operate the extinguishers rated 1A or 2A and/or 5B, 10B, or 20B.
Fire Extinguishers ARE designed for:
Small fires Confined fire areas People who have read the directions earlierFire Extinguishers ARE NOT designed for:
Large fires Rapidly growing fires People who are unfamiliar with fire extinguisher useFire extinguishers come in different classes. Know what is on fire and use the proper extinguisher.
CLASS A
Ordinary combustibles:
Wood
Paper
Plastic
Cloth
Rubber
|
CLASS B
Flammable Liquids:
Grease
Oil
Gasoline
Tar
Oil-based paint
Lacquer
Flammable gas
|
CLASS C
Electrical Equipment:
Wiring
Fuse Boxes
Circuit Breakers
Machinery
Appliances
|
CLASS D
Combustible Metals:
Magnesium
Potassium
Sodium
Zinc
Titanium
Lithium
|
CLASS K
Kitchen Fires:
Cooking Oils
|
WARNING! Using a fire extinguisher on the wrong class of fire can MAKE THE FIRE WORSE! It is dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labeled only for Class A fires on a grease or electrical fire.
When a fire occurs always:
First notify 911, and sound any alarms Evacuate immediately Never reenter a burning structure for any reason. Go to your established meeting area and wait for the Fire Department to arrive. You can try to use a fire extinguisher if you...
Know the fire is small and confined Keep a clear escape route. Don't let the fire get between you and the exit Stay low, below the smoke If you have any doubt, leave the area Leave if fire grows out of control Close door to contain fire before you leave Wait for the fire department's permission before you re-enter the areaNEVER...
Attempt to extinguish a large or rapidly growing fire Fight fires without an escape route Fight fires in a smoke filled room Fight fires if you are in doubt Assume the fire is out. Wait until the area is inspected by the fire department.Ignoring any of these steps can be dangerous and fatal.