The Importance of Fire Extinguishers

Let’s start with this, Fire extinguishers are an important part of the home fire safety plan. They can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or suppressing it until the fire department arrives, the best way to stay safe is by having a fire extinguisher handy at all times.

Fire extinguishers are extremely important as they are the most commonly used for fire protection. In many situations they are a first line of defense and often times will help contain or extinguish a fire, also keep in mind preventing costly damage.

Where are fire extinguishers found?

To avoid putting workers in danger, fire extinguishers should be located throughout the workplace and readily accessible in the event of a fire.You can usually find them in hallways, laundry rooms, meeting rooms, kitchens, mechanical/electrical rooms, and near exit doors.

Now in a home fire extinguishers can be placed within reach on every level of your home. For your main home protection, you could install a fire extinguisher in the living area unit, close to exits and in the kitchen and garage. Include all locations where a fire could get started.

Stages of a Fire

There are 4 Stages of a Fire, make sure you learn how to recognize these stages, these are the incipient, growth, fully developed, and decay.Let’s go through them by order.

Incipient – This first stage begins when heat, oxygen and a fuel source combine creating a chemical reaction resulting in fire. This is also known as “ignition” and is usually a very small fire which in most cases (hopefully) goes out on its own, before the following stages are reached. Recognizing this stage of fire provides your best chance at suppression or escape.

Growth – The growth stage is where the structures fire load and oxygen are used as fuel for the fire. There are numerous factors affecting the growth stage including where the fire started, what combustibles are near it, ceiling height and the potential for “thermal layering”. It is during this shortest of the 4 stages when a deadly “flashover” can occur; potentially trapping, injuring or killing firefighters. If a fire reaches this stage you should be out of the house or unit of the incident already.

Fully Developed – When the growth stage has reached its max and all combustible materials have been ignited, a fire is considered fully developed.At this point there is no way back. This is the hottest phase of a fire and anyone trapped within is in great danger.

Decay – mostly this is the longest stage of a fire, the decay stage is when there is a significant decrease in oxygen or fuel, putting an end to the fire. Two common dangers during this stage are first – the existence of non-flaming combustibles, which could start a new fire if these are not fully extinguished. Second, there is the danger of a backdraft which happens when oxygen is reintroduced to a volatile, confined space.

make sure you recognize these stages and protect your self and the ones around you by having a fire extinguisher handy at all times, you will never know when will you need it but if you do, you will be ready.