Having an appropriately sized fire extinguisher available can mean the difference between control and chaos in the event of a small- to medium-sized fire. Familiarizing yourself with the different types of fire extinguishers, and how to use them, will prepare you for a safer and more effective response when an emergency occurs.

Before using a fire extinguisher, make sure the fire is safe to fight. If the fire is large, uncontrolled, or producing heavy smoke, it is best to evacuate the area and call the fire department rather than attempt to combat the blaze yourself. Remember, most people who die in fires do so from smoke inhalation.

Pull: Aiming at the base of the fire is important. Aiming directly at the flames will cause them to blow around and spread, which can make the fire even harder to extinguish. Instead, aim low at the base of the fire, squeezing the handle or lever to discharge the contents of the extinguisher. Sweep: After aiming and squeezing, move the nozzle of the fire extinguisher from side to side over the base of the fire, smothering it until all signs of flames are eliminated. Once the nozzle of the fire extinguisher is swept over the base of the flames, it’s a good idea to keep it moving in this manner until all the fire has been completely put out.

CLASS A – WATER

Water is the most basic and effective fire extinguisher for putting out class A fires. This type of extinguisher uses air under pressure to release the water that is directed with a hose or nozzle at the fire’s source. The water’s heat-absorbing properties help to cool the fuel below its ignition point, interrupting the combustion cycle and thereby extinguishing the fire.

CLASS B – FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

Class B fires involve liquids, which can be difficult to fight with powder or dry chemical extinguishers. Class B fire extinguishers use a specialty formulation of sodium bicarbonate and silica gel, which are designed to interrupt the chain reaction of the fuel by absorbing the fuel particles and preventing their contact with oxygen. This type of fire extinguisher can also be used on combustible liquids that generate heat such as oil or grease.

CLASS C – ELECTROMAGNETIC CHARGE

Unlike classes A and B, class C fires are caused by electrical equipment or wiring. These can be dangerous to fight because they often produce high temperatures, causing electrical shock or melting and shorting out electrical circuits. A class C fire extinguisher contains potassium carbonate, a chemical similar to sodium bicarbonate. When applied to a class C fire, it creates a foam or coating over the fuel, smothering it and cutting off its supply of oxygen.

When using a fire extinguisher, be sure to maintain a safe distance of 6 to 8 feet between you and the flames to ensure your safety. Also be sure to inspect the fire extinguisher periodically, making sure it’s within its functional range and that it has not been used, as this could contaminate its contents and render it ineffective. Look for a tamper seal, pin, and pull tag. A tamper seal or missing pin indicates the unit has been used and may require professional evaluation. It is also important to check the fire extinguisher’s pressure gauge, as a reading below this functional range may indicate that it is empty and should be recharged.

Fire stations are a familiar sight in cities and towns throughout the world. They are often associated with a specific neighborhood and are home to a variety of fire apparatus, including trucks and ladders, as well as other emergency equipment. They also serve as fire prevention education centers and provide emergency medical services for citizens who are sick or injured.

Historically, firefighting was a volunteer profession until the 1870s when New York City became an incorporated municipality and the paid fire department was established. As the City grew and developed, many fire stations were built with neo-classical details, reflecting the ideals of the City Beautiful movement. Today, many firehouses are still active, and the FDNY maintains a fleet of over 60 stations across the five boroughs.

Each firehouse is home to one to three fire companies. Each company is led by a captain, who oversees several lieutenants and twelve to twenty firefighters. Firefighters work a 24-hour shift, and receive three days off each week. Besides regular firefighting duties, the City’s firefighters are trained to assist in technical rescue and hazardous materials mitigation. They are also trained to assist in EMS operations and have a number of ambulances stationed throughout the City for dispatch calls.

There are four ways that fires and emergencies can be reported to the FDNY: telephone alarms; fire alarm boxes; “class 3” alarms (the most serious type of call) and verbal alarms. Telephone and fire alarm box alarms are reported to the FDNY’s central command center, while “class 3” and verbal alarms are directly reported to individual fire companies.

The FDNY responds to more than 70,000 emergency calls each year. Approximately half are fires; the rest are incidents that require emergency medical or hazardous material mitigation. Firefighters are supported by a highly skilled administrative staff and the latest firefighting and fire safety technology. In addition to firefighting, the FDNY provides technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, and emergency medical service with the aid of over 1200 emergency medical technicians and paramedics.

A typical fire station contains office space for the members of the local fire company and may have a library of reference materials, as well as a trophy wall or case where members display memorabilia. In addition to daily maintenance and training, firehouses host fire prevention education and other community events. Firefighters are also available for public tours, which are usually offered at night (6 p.m. – 9 a.m).

Located in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood, Firehouse 14 was used for exterior shots in the 1984 film Ghostbusters. It is also the site of a memorial to the firefighters killed on 9/11, and was selected as the set for the film because of its historic significance. FDNY firefighters were happy to be a part of this classic piece of American cinema history, and they were especially proud that the film’s writer, director, and star Dan Aykroyd chose to build a set at their own firehouse. In fact, the FDNY’s firefighters have been featured in many films and TV shows over the years.