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This is especially the case if the fire is large or spreading, the room is filling with deadly smoke, or there is no fire escape route.

But for lesser fires contained in a small space, using a fire extinguisher, if it is safe to do so, can be very effective.

Deploying a fire extinguisher correctly depends on which type it is and on what type of material is on fire. Using the wrong extinguisher is at best ineffective, and at worst could intensify the fire, so ascertain the fuel first and then ensure you have the right type of extinguisher to hand before you tackle the fire.

Materials present in the area to be protected from fire in the UK can be divided into six categories of fire involving different substances:

The following types of extinguishers can be used to quench the various types of fire:

First, it is essential to check that there is no live electrical equipment in the area. Then point the hose at the base of the flames and squeeze the lever slowly to discharge the extinguisher. Keep it moving across the area of the fire or move it slowly upwards if the fire is spreading vertically. Make sure that all areas of the fire are out completely. If not, repeat the process or get help.

The instructions are the same as for water extinguishers, except that some water mist models can be used on electrical equipment up to 1,000 Volts, such as computers and printers.

For fires involving solids (A), point the jet at the base of the flames and keep it moving across the area of the fire.

For fires involving liquids (B), aim the jet at a vertical surface near the fire, not straight into the liquid, eg in a container, point the jet at the inside edge of the container or a nearby surface above the burning liquid. Allow the foam to build up and flow across the liquid to break the interaction between the flames and the fuel surface.

Point the jet or discharge horn at the base of the flames, driving the fire towards the far edge with a rapid sweeping motion until extinguished. Make sure the fire does not flare up again, as this type of extinguisher does not cool the fire very effectively. Also, make sure you don’t inhale the toxic powder, so do not use in an enclosed space.

The use of specialist powder extinguishers to tackle burning metals (D) requires a different technique from standard extinguishers. Potential users should be trained in their use.

Switch off the power if an electrical fire, if safe to do so. Direct the discharge horn at the base of the flames. Keep the jet moving across the area of the fire until it is suffocated. Be careful your fingers do not freeze to the horn. Watch for re-ignition of the fire. CO2 extinguishers have a very short discharge time.

These are mainly used to extinguish chip pan fires using animal or vegetable fats. Turn off the heat source if safe to do so. Apply the wet chemical evenly at arm’s length above the fire, at least one metre away from the fire, using the extended long applicator or lance in slow, gentle, circular movements, so that the burning fat or oil does not splash out. Spray until its surface changes into a foamy, soapy substance, which acts as a blanket. Use the entire extinguisher to prevent reignition. Potential users should be trained in how to use these extinguishers properly.

Fire blankets. Turn off the heat source if safe to do so. Pull the tapes to release the blanket from its container. Carefully place the blanket over the fire keeping hands out of the way. Leave to cool. If a person is on fire, wrap the blanket around them.

To use hose reels effectively, point the jet at the base of the flames and keep it moving across the area of the fire. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out.

The water or sand in fire buckets should be thrown at the base of the flames, ensuring that all areas of the fire are out.

Finally, if there is no fire extinguisher to hand, and the fire is very small, you could try using a wet cloth or towel or shovelling sand or dirt, if available, onto the fire.

Read more about fire extinguisher types: How to choose the right class.

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query – is it safe to use a CO2 fire extinguisher on an electrical appliance that is still powered on or must the power supply be switched off before one can safely use the CO2 extinguisher?

Thanks for the advice about not using the extinguisher unless you feel safe doing it. My husband and I want to get a fire extinguisher for our kitchen because he’s learning how to cook, and we think it might be a good precaution. Maybe I should practice with one so I’ll feel safe deploying it if I ever need to.

Hi, what if where the nozzle of fire extinguisher is squeezed / bent ? Will it affect to the emergency response? Thnx

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