When Fire Breaks Out

• As you fight the fire, stay low, to avoid as much of the smoke as you can. Also have a clear exit route if the fire spreads. A fire extinguisher can only do so much, so the fire should be small and contained. If the fire is causing damage, make sure the fire department has been notified and the building evacuated as a safety precaution.
  
  

Fighting the Fire

• Hold the fire extinguisher upright and pull the pin from the handle. Stand 6 to 10 feet back from the fire and squeeze the handle. Aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the flames. Move the fire extinguisher back and forth, spraying the fire until it is out. You will have about 10 seconds before the fire extinguisher runs out. If the fire extinguisher contains carbon dioxide, the metal parts may get very cold.
  
  

After the Fire is Out

• Once the fire is out, don't walk on the area that you have sprayed, in case the fire reignites or your fire extinguisher runs out. Have the fire extinguisher recharged or replaced as soon as you can.