The amount of fire that can be extinguished by a particular extinguisher is related to the degree of training and experience of the operator.
- Fire extinguishers are useful under certain conditions and extreme care should be used when attempting to extinguish any fire.
- Portable fire extinguishers are not designed to fight large or spreading fires
- Operate fire extinguishers from up wind.
- Most fires produce toxic, decomposition products of combustion, and some materials produce highly toxic gases.
- Dry chemical extinguishers, when used in small unventilated spaces, can reduce visibility for several minutes