Fighting any kind of structure fire is not for amateurs without training, protective equipment and the proper apparatus. For farm or shop use a standpipe with 1-inch NFPA rated hose will handle most early-stage fires. But remember that fire fighting is always a dangerous job even for professional fire fighters.
We teach fire extinguisher use for our municipal employees and community emergency response teams. For home use I would recommend not less than a 10 pound ABC dry chemical extinguisher. A 10-pound unit empties in 10 seconds, will extinguish about 10 square feet of burning material and has an effective distance of about ten feet.
It is very important to realize the limitations of portable fire extinguishers. For this reason we require trainees to actually use extinguishers on controlled burns at the fire academy, with proper PPE and under supervision so they know exactly what to expect.
REACTupon discovery of fire or smoke Remove persons in immediate danger! Ensure doors are closed! (confine fire/smoke) Activate the building alarm ! Call the Fire Department ! Treat ALL fires as DANGEROUS! –Continue a complete building evacuation –Do not attempt to fight a fire UNLESS you are trained, have PPE, a buddy, and your back to a clear exit ! Use a portable extinguisher ONLY if the: • Building is being evacuated
• Fire alarm has been pulled
• Fire Department has been called (Dial 911!)
• Fire is NOT spreading (is small and contained)
• EXIT IS CLEAR (fight fire with your back to an exit)
• Proper extinguisher is at hand for the type of fire, and...
• You have been trained and know how to use it!
ALWAYS use “Buddy System” - have someone back you up!
Get assistance before trying to fight a fire!
Keep your back to an unobstructed exit, stand at least 6 to 8 feet from the fire, then: PULL the pin
TEST - upon approach to fire
AIM at the base of fire
SQUEEZE the lever
SWEEP from side to side.
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For more info see: http://www.nfpa.org/education/index.html http://www.ilpi.com/safety/extinguishers.html 
