Detroit Fire Department provides guidance on fire extinguisher use and maintenance

The Detroit Fire Department (DFD) emphasizes the critical role of fire extinguishers in home safety and urges residents to understand their proper use and maintenance. Fires typically double in size every 30 seconds, so it’s essential for every resident to know how to use a fire extinguisher and how to keep them in working order.

Non-fire-trained personnel should only use a fire extinguisher when they notice a fire starting in the early stages, and never on a fire that’s larger in diameter than a trash can.

Always call 911 BEFORE attempting to extinguish a fire with a fire extinguisher. When using a fire extinguisher, make sure you put your body between the fire and the nearest exit, so you never run the risk of trapping yourself behind fire away from the exit, should your attempt be unsuccessful.

Extinguisher training pic1 — Detroit resident Beverly Jones learns how to use a fire extinguisher at the Fire Department's Walter Harris Regional Training Center, after lessons from Captain Edward Davis from DFD Fire Marshal's Public Instruction Unit.

Using a Fire Extinguisher: The P.A.S.S. Technique

Using a fire extinguisher can seem difficult to those who aren’t sure how to use them, but there’s a simple way to both learn and remember how to use them – we encourage everyone to share this acronym with their friends and family. In the event of a small fire, residents can remember the P.A.S.S. technique to operate a fire extinguisher effectively:

Pull the pin to unlock the operating lever.
Aim low, pointing the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly to discharge the extinguishing agent.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side, covering the area of the fire's base until it is extinguished.

“Understanding how to use a fire extinguisher before an emergency arises can make a significant difference in protecting your home and loved ones,” said Captain Edward Davis of DFD's Public Instruction Unit. “We don’t want our residents to be afraid to pick up a fire extinguisher to try to put out a small fire, and we’re here to show people how to use them safely.”

Ensuring Fire Extinguishers Are Operational

Regular maintenance of fire extinguishers is essential to ensure their functionality during emergencies. Here are our recommendations:

Monthly Visual Inspections: Check that the extinguisher is accessible, the pressure gauge indicates proper pressure, and there are no visible signs of damage or corrosion.
Annual Professional Inspections: A certified technician should conduct a thorough examination of the extinguisher to ensure it meets all operational standards.
Periodic Internal Maintenance:
- Six-Year Maintenance: For stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers, a thorough internal examination and maintenance are required every six years.
- Hydrostatic Testing: Every 12 years, extinguishers should undergo hydrostatic testing to verify the integrity of the cylinder.

There are several companies right here in Detroit who perform both annual inspections and maintenance. Chief of Fire Prevention Dennis Hunter advises, "Regular inspections and maintenance of your fire extinguishers are not just recommended—they're vital. An extinguisher that's not in working order can give a false sense of security and fail when it's needed most."

Extinguisher training pic2 — Jones taking notes while learning about different types of fire extinguishers, their maintenance requirements and how to use them. She plans to share this information with her block club, Petoskey-Otsego.

Additional Safety Recommendations

Proper Placement: Install fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations, such as the kitchen, garage, and workshop areas.
Training: Ensure all household members know the location of extinguishers and are familiar with their operation.
Replacement: Replace any extinguisher that has been used or is damaged.

For more detailed information on fire extinguisher maintenance and safety practices, residents are encouraged to visit the National Fire Protection Association's website.

The Detroit Fire Department remains committed to the safety and well-being of its residents. By ensuring that fire extinguishers are both operational and used correctly, we can collectively enhance fire safety within our community.