Essentials of Fire Fighting,

5th Edition

Chapter 6 — Portable Fire

Extinguishers
Firefighter I
Chapter 6 Lesson Goal

• After completing this lesson, the

student shall be able to operate
portable fire extinguishers effectively
and safely following the policies and
procedures set forth by the authority
having jurisdiction.

Firefighter I
6–1
Specific Objectives

1. Describe methods by which agents

extinguish fire.
2. List mechanisms by which portable
extinguishers expel their contents.
3. Distinguish among classifications of
fires and the most common agents
used to extinguish them.
(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–2
Specific Objectives

4. Describe types of extinguishers and

their common uses.
5. Discuss extinguishers and agents for
metal fires.
6. Explain the portable extinguisher
rating system.

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–3
Specific Objectives

7. Describe factors to consider in

selecting the proper fire extinguisher.
8. Describe items to check for
immediately before using a portable
fire extinguisher.
9. Describe the PASS method of
application.
(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–4
Specific Objectives

10. Summarize procedures that should be

part of every fire extinguisher
inspection.
11. Discuss damaged portable fire
extinguishers and obsolete portable
fire extinguishers.

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–5
Specific Objectives

12. Operate a stored pressure water

extinguisher.
13. Operate a dry chemical (ABC)
extinguisher. (Skill Sheet 6-I-2)
14. Operate a carbon dioxide (CO2)
extinguisher. (Skill Sheet 6-I-3)

Firefighter I
6–6
Fire Extinguishment Methods

• Smothering
• Cooling
• Chain breaking
• Saponification

Firefighter I
6–7
DISCUSSION QUESTION

Has anyone in the class ever used a

portable fire extinguisher to extinguish
a fire?

Firefighter I
6–8
Portable Extinguisher Expulsion
Mechanisms

• Manual pump
• Stored pressure
• Pressure cartridge

Firefighter I
6–9
Fire Classifications

• Class A fires — Involve ordinary

combustibles
– Easily extinguished with water, water-
based agents (foam), dry chemicals
– Water most common agent used by fire
service

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–10
Fire Classifications

• Class B fires — Involve flammable/

combustible liquids, gases, greases
– Special fire hazards; should not be
extinguished until fuel gas shut off
– Special-hazard fires get larger as fuel
volume increases
– Extinguishing agents include carbon
dioxide, dry chemical, Class B foam (Continued)

Firefighter I
6–11
Fire Classifications

• Class C fires — Involve Class A or B

fires created by electrical energy
– Do not use water, water-based agents until
electrical energy eliminated
– Recommended method is to turn off or
disconnect electrical power before using
appropriate extinguisher
(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–12
Fire Classifications

• Class D fires — Involve combustible

metals, alloys
– Can be identified by bright white emissions
from combustion process
– Class D, dry powder extinguishers work
best

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–13
DISCUSSION QUESTION

Why should water-based agents not be

used on Class D fires?

Firefighter I
6–14
Fire Classifications

• Class K fires — Involve combustible

cooking oils
– Examples are vegetable fats that burn at
extremely high temperatures
– Most fuels found in commercial kitchens;
can also be found in private homes
– Wet chemicals used in extinguishing
systems

Firefighter I
6–15
Pump-Type Water Extinguishers

• Intended for use on

small Class A fires
only
• All operate in similar
manner
• Equipped with
single- or double-
acting pump
Firefighter I
6–16
Stored-Pressure Water
Extinguishers

• Air-pressurized
water
extinguishers or
pressurized water
extinguishers
• Useful for all types
of small Class A
fires (Continued)

Firefighter I
6–17
Stored-Pressure Water
Extinguishers

• Often used for extinguishing hot spots

• Operation
– Water stored in tank w/air or nitrogen
– Gauge shows pressurization
– Pressure forces water up tube, out hose
• Class A foam concentrate sometimes
added

Firefighter I
6–18
Water-Mist Stored-Pressure
Extinguishers

• Use deionized water as agent, nozzles

produce fine spray instead of stream
• Deionized water makes safe for use on
energized electrical equipment
• Fine spray enhances cooling/soaking
characteristics, reduces scattering of
burning material

Firefighter I
6–19
 Wet Chemical Stored-Pressure
Extinguishers

• Specifically designed to
control/extinguish Class K
fires in deep fryers
• Contain special potassium-
based alkaline agent to
cool/suppress fires in
Courtesy of Ansul Corp.
unsaturated cooking oils

Firefighter I
6–20
Aqueous Film Forming Foam
(AFFF) Extinguishers

• Suitable for Class A, Class B fires

• Fires/vapors from small liquid fuel spills
• Different from stored-pressure water
extinguishers
– Tank contains specified amount of AFFF
concentrate mixed with water
– Air-aspirating nozzle aerates solution
(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–21
Aqueous Film Forming Foam
(AFFF) Extinguishers

• Water/AFFF solution expelled by

compressed air or nitrogen
• To prevent disturbance of foam blanket,
do not apply directly onto fuel; allow to
rain onto surface/deflect off object

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–22
Aqueous Film Forming Foam
(AFFF) Extinguishers

• When AFFF/water mixed, finished foam

floats on fuels lighter than water
• Vapor seal created by film of water
extinguishes flame, prevents reignition

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–23
Aqueous Film Forming Foam
(AFFF) Extinguishers

• Foam has good wetting, penetrating

properties on Class A fuels; ineffective
on polar solvents
• Not suitable for fires in Class C, D fuels
• Most effective on static pools of
flammable liquids

Firefighter I
6–24
Clean Agent Extinguishers

• Designed as replacement for Halon

1211, use “clean agents” that discharge
as rapidly evaporating liquids that
leaves no residue
– Cool/smother fires in Class A, B fuels
– Nonconductive so can be used on Class C
– Approved by U.S. EPA

Firefighter I
6–25
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Extinguishers

• Found as both
handheld/wheeled units
• Most effective in Class B,
C fires
• Have limited reach; gas
can be dispersed by
wind
Courtesy of Ansul Corp. (Continued)

Firefighter I
6–26
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Extinguishers

• Carbon dioxide stored

under its own pressure
as liquefied gas ready for
release at any time
• Wheeled units similar to
handheld except wheeled
are considerably larger Courtesy of Badger Fire Protection.

Firefighter I
6–27
DISCUSSION QUESTION

What is the danger of touching the horn

on a carbon dioxide extinguisher shortly
after it has been used?

Firefighter I
6–28
Dry Chemical Extinguishers

• For Class A-B-C fires and/or Class B-C

fires; dry powder used on Class D only
• Commonly used today

(Continued)
Courtesy of Ansul Corp.

Firefighter I
6–29
Dry Chemical Extinguishers

• Two basic types

– Regular B:C-rated
– Multipurpose and A:B:C-
rated
• Commonly used dry
chemicals
• Handheld units
Courtesy of Ansul Corp.
• Wheeled units
Firefighter I
6–30
DISCUSSION QUESTION

What happens when water is applied to

a combustible metal fire?

Firefighter I
6–31
Controlling/Extinguishing Metal
Fires

• Special extinguishing agents,

application techniques developed to
control/extinguish metal fires
• No single agent controls/extinguishes
fires in all combustible metals

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–32
Controlling/Extinguishing Metal
Fires

• Some powdered agents applied with

portable extinguishers, others with
shovel or scoop
• Appropriate application technique
described in manufacturer’s technical
sales literature

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–33
Controlling/Extinguishing Metal
Fires

• Portable
extinguishers for
Class D come in both
handheld, wheeled
units

Courtesy of Amerex Corp.

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–34
Controlling/Extinguishing Metal
Fires

• Regardless of
applicator, powder
must be applied in
sufficient depth to
completely cover
burning area to
create smothering
blanket (Continued)

Firefighter I
6–35
Controlling/Extinguishing Metal
Fires
• If small amount of burning
metal on combustible
surface, fire should be
covered with powder
• 1 to 2 inch (25 to 50 mm)
layer spread nearby,
burning metal shoveled
onto layer
• After extinguishment,
material left undisturbed
until cooled
Firefighter I
6–36
Portable Extinguisher Rating
System

• Portable extinguishers
classified according to
types of fire they extinguish
• Class A, B also rated
according to performance
capability
• System based on tests by
UL, ULC
Firefighter I
6–37
Classifications

• Class A — From 1-A through 40-A

• Class B — From 1-B through 640-B
• Class C — No tests
• Class D — Test fires vary
• Class K — Recognized by UL, ULC since
1996

Firefighter I
6–38
Multiple Markings

• Extinguishers for more than one class of

fire identified by combinations of A, B,
and/or C or symbols for each class
– Most common are A-B-C, A-B, B-C
– All must be labeled appropriately
– Unlisted units should not be used
– Ratings for each class are independent

Firefighter I
6–39
Identification — Two Ways

• Geometric shapes of specific colors with

class letter shown within shape
• NFPA® 10 recommended — Uses
pictographs to make selection easier;
shows types of fires on which
extinguishers should not be used

Firefighter I
6–40
Extinguisher Selection Factors

• Classification of burning fuel

• Rating of extinguisher
• Hazards to be protected
• Size/intensity of fire

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–41
Extinguisher Selection Factors

• Atmospheric conditions
• Availability of trained personnel
• Ease of handling extinguisher
• Life hazard/operational concerns

Firefighter I
6–42
Extinguisher Selection
Considerations

• Select those that minimize risk to life/

property and are effective in
extinguishing the fire type
• Dry chemical extinguishers should not
be selected for use in areas where
highly sensitive computer equipment is
located

Firefighter I
6–43
Extinguisher Check

• Immediately before use

– External condition
– Hose/nozzle
– Weight
– Pressure gauge
• After selecting size/type for situation,
approach fire from windward side

Firefighter I
6–44
DISCUSSION QUESTION

Why should you always have an escape

route?

Firefighter I
6–45
Fire Extinguisher Operation

• All modern extinguishers

operate in similar
manner
• Pick up extinguisher by
handles, carry to point of
application

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–46
Fire Extinguisher Operation

• Once in position, use PASS method

– P — Pull the pin
– A — Aim the nozzle
– S — Squeeze handles together
– S — Sweep nozzle back and forth

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–47
Fire Extinguisher Operation

• Be sure agent reaches

fire
• Apply agent from point
where stream reaches
but does not disturb fuel
• After fire knocked down,
move closer for final
extinguishment (Continued)

Firefighter I
6–48
Fire Extinguisher Operation

• If extinguishment not achieved after

entire extinguisher discharged,
withdraw/reassess
• If fire is in solid fuel reduced to
smoldering phase, may be overhauled
using appropriate tool

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–49
Fire Extinguisher Operation

• If fire in liquid fuel, it may be necessary

to apply foam through hoseline or
simultaneously attack with more than
one extinguisher
• If more than one extinguisher used
simultaneously, work in unison and
maintain constant awareness

Firefighter I
6–50
Fire Extinguisher Inspections

• NFPA® 10 and most fire codes require

portable extinguishers inspected at least
once/year
• Verify that extinguishers
– Are in designated locations
– Not tampered with or activated
– No obvious damage/other condition
(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–51
Fire Extinguisher Inspections

• Servicing
responsibility of
property
owner/building
occupant
• Firefighters should
include inspections in
building inspection
program (Continued)

Firefighter I
6–52
Fire Extinguisher Inspections

• Three factors determine value

– Serviceability
– Accessibility
– Simplicity of operation
• NFPA® 10 describes procedures for
hydrostatic testing of cylinders

Firefighter I
6–53
Parts of Fire Extinguisher
Inspections

• Ensure extinguisher in
proper location/accessible INACCESSIBLE

• Inspect discharge nozzle

• Inspect extinguisher shell
• Check for legible
operating instructions on
nameplate
(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–54
Parts of Fire Extinguisher
Inspections

• Check locking pin, tamper seal

• Determine whether full of agent, fully
pressurized
• Check for date of previous inspection
• Examine condition of hose/fittings
• If any items deficient, remove from
service

Firefighter I
6–55
Damaged Fire Extinguishers

• Can fail at any time;

could result in serious
injury
• Leaking, corroded,
otherwise damaged
shells/cylinders should be
discarded or returned to
manufacturer for repair
(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–56
DISCUSSION QUESTION

How should a defective fire extinguisher

be repaired?

Firefighter I
6–57
Damaged Fire Extinguishers

• Only slight damage/corrosion and

uncertain whether safe — Should be
hydrostatically tested
• If allowed by SOP, leaking hoses,
gaskets, nozzles, and loose labels can
be replaced by firefighters

Firefighter I
6–58
Obsolete Portable Fire
Extinguishers

• In 1969
– American manufacturers stopped making
inverting-type extinguishers
– Manufacturing of extinguishers made of
copper or brass with cylinders soft soldered
or riveted together discontinued

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–59
Obsolete Portable Fire
Extinguishers

• Extinguishers using carbon tetrachloride

and chlorobromomethane prohibited in
workplace
• If obsolete extinguishers are discovered
and occupant requests, firefighters
should follow SOP to dispose of them

Firefighter I
6–60
Halon Fire Extinguishers

• Included in Montreal Protocol

• U.S. stopped producing halogens at end
of 1993
• Units may still be in service

Firefighter I
6–61
Summary

• In many cases, fire extinguishers can

control or extinguish small fires in less
time than it takes to deploy a hoseline.

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–62
Summary

• Even though portable fire extinguishers

may be found in many of the homes,
apartments, and businesses that must
be entered to extinguish fire,
firefighters should only rely on those
carried on the fire apparatus.

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–63
Summary

• To use fire extinguishers safely and

effectively, firefighters must know
capabilities and limitations of the
extinguisher — and their own
capabilities and limitations — as well as
the proper techniques for their
application.

Firefighter I
6–64
Review Questions

1. What are the five classes of fire and

what do they involve?
2. What fires are aqueous film forming
foam (AFFF) extinguishers most
effective on?
3. How do carbon dioxide (CO2) portable
extinguishers work?
(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–65
Review Questions

4. What are the three most common

combinations for extinguishers with
multiple markings?
5. List three factors that affect the
selection of the proper portable fire
extinguisher.

(Continued)

Firefighter I
6–66
Review Questions

6. What should be checked immediately

before using a portable extinguisher?
7. What is the PASS method of
application?
8. What procedures should be part of
every fire extinguisher inspection?

Firefighter I
6–67