This guide draws on Health Canada’s home fire-safety guide, the federal home fire-prevention booklet, Toronto Fire Services’ extinguisher guidance and Vancouver Fire Rescue Services’ maintenance guide.
A fire extinguisher is a backup for putting out small, contained fires. It is no substitute for working smoke alarms, an escape plan and firefighters. Knowing where to place yours and when it’s OK to fight the blaze is just as important as making sure it is ready to use. Here’s what to look for when inspecting and placing one, when to bail on putting out the blaze and the truth about home insurance.
How Do You Maintain A Home Fire Extinguisher?
If the pin is missing or the seal is broken, if there is any sign of corrosion, leakage, dents, discharge, an obstructed nozzle, an unreadable operating instructions label or if its service date has expired, take it to a qualified fire-protection service for maintenance or replace it in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and adhere to the schedule. Make sure extinguishers are certified for Canada. Keep fire extinguishers readily accessible along an escape route, away from the probable source of a fire, visible, unused, undamaged, correctly pressurized and securely fastened.
Rechargeable fire extinguishers must be recharged after use. Replace disposable extinguishers after use.
Where Should You Keep A Fire Extinguisher?
Place them where you can grab one while retreating toward an exit. Never place one somewhere you may not be able to reach it if flames spread.
Toronto Fire Services also suggests keeping fire extinguishers out of reach of children and away from stoves and heating appliances. Keep them visible.
How many extinguishers to purchase, and which types, will depend on your home’s layout, number of exits, heating systems, and other potential fire sources, including a workshop or garage.
Canada has no nationwide requirement for fire extinguishers in detached houses. Your local fire department can offer suggestions based on your home’s specific circumstances. Check with your condo board, insurance provider or landlord if you’re renting to learn more about requirements.
Read More: Review Where and How to Test Home Smoke Alarms
Choose The Right Fire Class
| Class | Typical material | Homeowner check |
|---|---|---|
| A | Ordinary combustibles like wood, paper or fabric. | Check the label of the fire extinguisher and make sure class A is included. |
| B | Gasoline, solvents and other flammable liquids. | Select a unit with a B rating. Place it away from a source of ignition. |
| C | Energized electrical equipment. | If the electrical gear is energized, select a C-rated extinguisher. Never use water on energized equipment. |
| K | Cooking oils and fats | Use an extinguishing agent and application technique appropriate for a cooking-oil fire. Never use water on a cooking-oil fire. |
Multipurpose A-B-C fire extinguishers cover several common household hazards, but no single extinguisher is right for all types of fires. Check the labels before you have an emergency.
Make sure all adults who can use the extinguisher are trained. Assign children to get out according to your escape plan.
How To Perform A Fire Extinguisher Inspection
| Check | Pass condition | Act if it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Is the fire extinguisher: Visible? Located near an exit? Away from hazards? Accessible and not blocked? | Relocate using the mounting instructions |
| Certification and label | ULC mark, correct or appropriate extinguisher classification, and operating instructions that are still readable. | Replace or consult your fire authority regarding this unit. |
| Pin and tamper seal | Both are present and intact | Treat it as possibly used; service or replace it. |
| Gauge or indicator | Displays the normal operating range specified by the manufacturer. | Rechargeable fire extinguishers should be serviced. Disposable fire extinguishers should be replaced. |
| Cylinder and handle | The fire extinguisher should be free from rust, dents, leaks, cracks, swelling or a loose operating handle. | If the extinguisher fails this check, remove it from service and contact a qualified provider. |
| Hose and nozzle | Clear, secure and undamaged | Service or replace it. Never discharge as a test. |
| Service or replacement date | Within the label and manufacturer’s required period. | Book a service or replacement before it goes back into use. |
Disposable And Rechargeable Units Need Different Service
| Unit | After use or failed check | Ongoing rule |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable | Replace unit after any discharge, even a short discharge. | Follow the replacement date on disposable units and the manufacturer’s inspection instructions. |
| Rechargeable | Have the unit inspected, serviced and recharged by a qualified provider. | Follow the manufacturer for maintenance and pressure testing |
| Commercial or common-area unit | Service per fire codes and your building fire-safety plan. | Servicing requirements can be more than the items on a residential checklist; in some cases, professional tags and servicing intervals may be required. |
Use An Extinguisher Only If Every Safety Condition Is Met
Only use an extinguisher if all of the following apply:
- Other people in the building know there’s a fire and are leaving.
- Someone has called 911 from a safe place.
- The fire is still small and contained and is not spreading.
- The smoke and heat do not threaten you, and you are physically able to operate the extinguisher.
- You have the right kind of fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
- There’s a clear path of exit behind you.
If any of the above statements are not true, leave. Close doors behind you if safe, call 911 and stay out. Never re-enter for fire extinguishers, pets, personal property, etc.
How To Use P.A.S.S.
- Keep the exit behind you. Leave immediately if the fire cannot be extinguished with one extinguisher, the smoke gets worse, the fire grows, or your way out is threatened.
- Pull the pin.
- Aim at the base of the fire from the distance listed on the label.
- Squeeze the handle.
- Sweep side to side.
Read More: See How to Prevent and Respond to a Grease Fire
Kitchen And Electrical Fires Need Extra Care
Never put water on energized electrical equipment or burning cooking oil. Never carry a burning pan. If you can safely turn off the burner, do so. Place a fitted metal lid over the pan and leave it closed.
If the fire spreads outside of the pan, into cabinets or to your range hood, leave and call 911.
Does A Fire Extinguisher Affect Home Insurance?
Our research did not find a universal rule that Canadian home insurers require a minimum number of extinguishers before issuing coverage. Some insurers may require them as a condition of home insurance, especially when certain risks are involved, such as a wood stove, a workshop, or a rental home.
If applicable, ask your insurer for any of these requirements in writing.
Whether a home fire claim is covered depends on your policy terms, including the deductible, what’s included, what’s excluded, what started the fire, and more. Owning an extinguisher doesn’t guarantee that your home insurance claim will be paid.
Life safety comes first. Homeowners aren’t expected to try to put out risky or unsafe fires as a loss-prevention duty.