By Einar Jensen, Risk Reduction Coordinator
Evergreen Fire/Rescue
Most non-residential buildings in our fire district are required to have fire extinguishers,
according to the International Fire Code. This requirement applies to restaurants,
churches, stores, offices, schools, assisted living communities, pharmacies, hotels, and
many more occupancies.
Fire extinguishers must be along “normal paths of travel” in buildings and neither
obstructed nor obscured from view. They aren’t pretty, but they must be visible so they
can be found and used when needed.
Using a portable fire extinguisher is simple if you remember the PASS acronym:
P: Pull the pin
A: Aim the nozzle at the base of flames
S: Squeeze the handle
S: Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side
Although these tools are simple to use, they won’t protect you from a fire’s smoke.
Smoke is a killer: it’s wicked hot and contains toxic chemicals including carbon monoxide
and carcinogens.
If you see fire in your building, activate the fire alarm system while exiting and call 911
from outside. Don’t waste evacuation time trying to find the extinguisher and running
away from exits to attack the fire. That’s not safe.
Call 911 from outside and allow firefighters who are trained and equipped to extinguish
fires safely.
Fire extinguishers are useful against small fires outside. Using an extinguisher on a
discarded cigarette fire before it grows into a wildfire is a great idea. They also are
useful tools if you find yourself in a lockdown situation and your only option is to fight
against the active killer. Spray the extinguisher in the attacker’s face, then use it as a
club.
Check your extinguishers for signs of wear and tear, and verify the pressure gauge
needle is in the green area.
We at Evergreen Fire/Rescue are committed to our community. Contact our fire
inspectors with fire code questions at fireprevention@evergreenfirerescue.com.
