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the HERALD Wednesday February 1992 Should You Fight the Fire Before you begin to fight a small fire Make sure everyone has left or is leaving the building Make sure the fire department has been called Be certain that the fire is confined to a small area such as a and that it is not spreading beyond the immediate area Be sure that your back is to a safe and unob structed exit to which the fire will not spread Be sure that your extinguisher is the proper size and type for the fire at hand and that you know how to use it It is reckless to fight a fire with an extinguisher in any other circumstances Instead leave immediately close off the area and leave the fire for the fire department Extinguishers Have Your Extinguisher Must Fit the Fire When used properly a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives Portable extinguishers however are not designed to fight a large or spreading fire Even against small fires they are useful only under certain conditions The extinguisher must be rated for the type of fire you are fighting The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire Most portable extinguishers dis charge completely in as few as eight seconds The extinguisher must be within easy reach and in working order fully charged The operator must know how to use the extin guisher Read the instructions when you buy it There is no time to read directions during an emergency The operator must be strong enough to lift and operate the extinguisher Type A Ordinary com bustibles such as wood cloth paper rubber and many plastics Type B Flammable liq uids such as gasoline oil grease tar oilbased paint lacquer and flammable gas Type C Energized elec trical equipment 1 wiring fuse boxes circuit breakers machinery and appli ances There are also multipurpose or combination portable fire extinguishers on the market the ABC type Be sure you are fighting a fire with the proper extinguisher It is particularly dangerous to use water or a Type A extinguisher on a grease or electrical fire EQUIPMENT If You Do Fight the Fire Remember the Word PASS PULL the pin Some extinguishers require releasing a lock latch pressing a puncture lever or taking another first step AIM low Point the extinguisher nozzle or its horn or hose at the base of the fire SQUEEZE the handle This releases the extinguishing agent SWEEP from side to side Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until it appears to be out- Watch the fire area If fire breaks out again repeat the process HALTON HILLS FIRE DEPT DEDICATED TO YOUR PROTECTION For more information or assistance with fire safety in your home or business Please contact the Fire Prevention Division of the Halton Hills Fire Dept at 8771133