Question

You have decided to fight a small fire in your office. You select the proper fire extinguisher. Before you can start using the extinguisher, you must:

a) Assess the wind direction
b) Pull the fire alarm
c) Identify the fire's fuel source
d) Evacuate the building

Answer 1

Before using a fire extinguisher, one must identify the fire's fuel source to select the correct extinguishing agent. If the fire cannot be extinguished safely or quickly, the building should be evacuated and professional firefighters called.

Step-by-step explanation:

When faced with a small fire in an office and after selecting the proper fire extinguisher, the immediate step before using it is to identify the fire's fuel source. It is crucial to understand what is burning to choose the correct class of extinguisher for effectively combating the fire. For example, water-based extinguishers are appropriate for Class A fires (common combustibles like wood and paper), while Class B fires (flammable liquids) require foam or powder extinguishers, and Class C fires (electrical) must be fought with CO2 or dry chemical extinguishers. Knowing the fuel source ensures that the flames are tackled with the right extinguishing agent, preventing the situation from worsening. Additionally, if the fire cannot be controlled quickly or if there is any doubt about the ability to extinguish the fire safely, it is imperative to evacuate the building immediately and call professional firefighters.