Fire Extinguishers

Fire Extinguisher

 

Fire Extinguisher Disposal

Do not throw fire extinguishers in the trash.

You may drop off your discharged fire extinguisher at:

   Kirchner Fire Extinguisher, 4410 S. Hi Point Road, McHenry, 815-385-8364

Before doing so, with a black marker, put a large "X" on the extinguisher or write on the tag, "To be recycled." Kirchner Fire Extinguisher asks that you drop off extinguishers by their door after business hours, or in the bin nearby.  

If you would like your fire extinguisher fully charged, contact Kirchner Fire Extinguisher for assistance.

Kirchner Fire Extinguisher will recycle extinguishers if possible.  Extinguishers that require disposal will be taken care of by a service provider Kirchner is able to contract with due to their business designation.  

 

Choosing a Fire Extinguisher



Different types of fire extinguishers handle different fire classes. The extinguisher you choose for your home should be marked with the letter for the class of fire it will be used on. ABC extinguishers are multi-purpose that can put out class A, B, and C fires, making it the most common household extinguisher.

Class of Fire

 

Halon Extinguisher

Class A

Ordinary Combustibles

  • wood
  • cloth
  • paper
  • plastics
  • rubber

      

Water Extinguisher

Class B

Flammable Liquids

  • petroleum greases
  • tars
  • oils
  • oil-based paints
  • solvents
  • lacquers
  • alcohols
  • flammable gases
Dry Powder Extinguisher

 

Class C

Electrical Equipment

Foam Extinguisher

Class D

Combustible Metals

  • magnesium
  • titanium
  • zirconium
  • sodium
  • lithium
  • potassium
Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher

Class E

Combustible Cooking Media

  • vegetable oils
  • animal oils and fats
HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER : P.A.S.S METHOD

How to use a fire extinguisher:

Call 9-1-1 in case of a fire.

Assess whether to fight or flee:

  • If the fire has spread beyond the original material, involves flammable solvents, or is partially hidden behind a wall or ceiling, you should not attempt to fight the fire.
  • Additionally, if the environment is too hot or smoky, it is time to get out of the house. Smoke inhalation can be fatal.

Before approaching the fire you should identify an escape plan. Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come in between you and your escape path. 

Use the P.A.S.S. (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep) technique to discharge the extinguisher, making sure to aim at the base of the fire.

Stay back from the extinguished fire in case it flames up again. 

Evacuate immediately if the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out, or if the fire progresses beyond the original material ignited. 

Additional Resources

 

 

Additional Resources:


 

US Fire Administration



 

          U.S. Fire Administration