We offer fire extinguisher training for your group or place of business. The Fire District will provide a live fire prop and instruction. The hands-on class is designed to allow trainees to use an extinguisher to put out a real fire providing very valuable scenarios to learn from. There is a small cost for businesses, please contact for estimates and scheduling. We also put on a free class for residents when we have 10 or more signed up on an interest list. Contact the office of fire prevention at plans@centralfirenv.org or by calling (775)246-6209.
Elements included in the training include the following valuable tips.
Fire Extinguishers at Work or Home
If there is a fire, follow the fire emergency plan for your company or your home fire escape plan. Make sure you dial 9-1-1. Designated trained employees will evaluate the small fire and decide if it is safe to fight. If at home, talk to family members in advance about how to use extinguishers to put out small fires.
The Five Classes of Fire
To be effective, portable fire extinguishers must match the fire you are fighting. There are five classes of fires and all extinguishers are labeled with standard letters and symbols for the class of fires they can put out.
- Class A: fires involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, and paper.
- Class B: fires involve flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil and some paints and solvents.
- Class C: fire involve energized electrical equipment, such as power tools, wiring, fuse boxes, computers, TV’s and electric motors.
- Class D: fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium or sodium; Fighting Class D fires require specialized training.
- Class K: fires involve cooking oils used in commercial cooking equipment.
Things to Know
- It is dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labeled only for Class A fires on a fire involving flammable liquids or energized electrical equipment.
- Extinguishers for Class D fires must match the type of metal that is burning. The metals will be listed on the label.
- Use only extinguishers labeled for Class K fires for fighting a fire in a commercial grease fryer. Multipurpose extinguishers – labeled Class A, B, and C fires – aren’t appropriate.
Before Fighting a Fire, Be Sure
- You have been trained to operate the extinguisher.
- Everyone not designated to use extinguishers is leaving the area, someone has sounded the alarm and called 9-1-1.
- You have an unobstructed escape route in case you can’t put out the fire.
- Make sure the fire is small, confined and not spreading.
- You know what’s burning and your extinguisher is right for the fire.
PASS: Using Portable Extinguishers
When using a fire extinguisher, keep your back to a clear exit and stand six to eight feet away from the fire. Remember the acronym PASS:
- P – Pull the pin that unlocks the operating lever.
- A – Aim low and point the extinguisher nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.
- S – Squeeze the lever above the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent. To stop the discharge, release the lever.
- S – Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side. Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out.
Always Remember
- Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.
- Have the fire department inspect the fire site, even if you think you’ve extinguished the fire.
- Evacuate the area if the fire does not go out.
- Extinguishers should be installed within easy reach, so they can be accessed quickly while the fire is small, and near doors, so anyone using them will have a safe escape route.
- Extinguishers need to be inspected frequently, so they will operate properly.
Contact our District Office directly by calling (775) 246-6209 or by email at admin@centralfirenv.org. If it is an emergency, please dial 911.