hi i'm joel with the burlington fire department i'd like to take a moment to talk with you about fire extinguishers fire extinguishers are a safe effective tool for extinguishing small fires when it comes to fire be smart this fire extinguisher which most people have in their home will discharge its entire contents in 10 to 15 seconds that is why we use fire extinguishers on small fires fire extinguishers are rated a B and C fires a being ordinary combustibles such as paper and wood products B being flammable and combustible liquids such as gas C for electrical fires such as your toaster or blender to use the extinguisher remember pass pull aim squeeze and sweep pull the pin aim at the base of the fire not the flames squeeze the trigger and sweep at the base of the fire pull the pin aim at the base of the fire not the flames squeeze the trigger and sweep at the base of the fire some important things to remember always keep the exit between you and the fire if the fire grows rapidly becomes too large to extinguish exit the area if you are inside shut the doors on your way out keep the extinguisher where it is accessible small fire spread rapidly in summary fire extinguishers are used to extinguish small fires never put yourself at risk by attempting to extinguish large fires possessions can be replaced you can't