Gonzaga students learn fire extinguisher safety

The school year hasn't begun yet at Gonzaga University but already a group of about 80 students have learned an important life lesson. The safe use of a fire extinguisher.


The students, who are all resident advisers at the Gonzaga dormitories, got hands on training today from the Spokane Fire Department's in the proper use of fire extinguishers. For most, this was there first time operating one. The use of a fire extinguisher in the hands of a trained adult can be a life and property saving tool. However, a majority of adults have not had fire extinguisher training and may not know how and when to use them. The goal of today's training was to make students comfortable with the fire extinguishers so they could extinguish small fires if safe to do so. Safety was the number one priority and students were told only to attempt to extinguish small fires like those in waste baskets or cooking fires.

Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association on the safe operation of fire extinguishers.


Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called; and the room is not filled with smoke.

To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS: -

Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle.

Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.

Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher trainings.

Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately.

Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape planand working smoke alarms.