Saddle Brook Fire Department

The proper use of a portable fire extinguisher can extinguish many fires while they are still small. However, you still should call 911 and notify the Saddle Brook Fire Department (SBFD) without delay as soon as any fire is discovered.

Although portable fire extinguishers are an important part of an overall fire safety program it is important to keep in mind that the successful use of portable fire extinguishers depends on a few things.

1. The portable fire extinguishers are located in the proper area and in working order.

2. The portable fire extinguishers are of the correct type. (IE: Class A, B, C, or D )

3. To be effective the fire must be discovered while it is still small enough to use the portable fire extinguisher.

4. The fire is discovered by persons who are ready, willing, trained and able to use the portable fire extinguishers.

Also, you should know that portable fire extinguishers are valuable for immediate use on small fires. They contain a limited amount of extinguishing material and need to be used properly so that this material is not wasted.

In some cases, your employer should provide education to you on how to use the portable fire extinguishers that are located in the workplace. Generally, operation instructions are provided on the side of the fire extinguisher. They clearly describe how to use the extinguisher in case of an emergency. An example of these instructions is shown below. P.A.S.S. is commonly used to remind people on how to operate the extinguisher. ( Pull Aim Squeeze and Sweep )

PASS - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep Instructions

Fires are classified into five (4) classes. They are described below:

	Class A A fire extinguisher labeled with letter "A" is for use on Class A fires. Class A fires are fires that involve ordinary combustible materials such as cloth, wood, paper, rubber, and many plastics.
	Class B A fire extinguisher labeled with letter "B" is for use on Class B fires. Class B fires are fires that involve flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel oil, oil-based paints, lacquers, etc., and flammable gases.
	Class C A fire extinguisher labeled with letter "C" is for use on Class C fires. Class C fires are fires that involve energized electrical equipment.
	Class D A fire extinguisher labeled with letter "D" is for use on Class D fires. Class D fires are fires that involve combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium and sodium.

DISCLAIMER: All situations are different. Although the tips and techniques suggested here by the Saddle Brook Volunteer Fire Department have been effective in many situations; no guarantees are made that what is suggested on this page will work effectively in every or any situation. Therefore, the Saddle Brook Volunteer Fire Department, its officers and its representatives WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR INJURY (INCLUDING DEATH) THAT ACCOMPANY OR RESULT FROM YOUR USE OF ANY OF THE suggested techniques or TIPS LISTED ON THIS WEBSITE.