Fire Risk Assessment
Prior to fighting any fire with a portable fire extinguisher you must perform a fire risk assessment that evaluates the fire size, the fire fighters evacuation path, and the atmosphere in the vicinity of the fire.
Check Out: Fire Extinguisher Basics
| Risk Assessment Question | Characteristics of incipient stage fires or fires that can be extinguished with portable fire extinguishers | Characteristics of fires that
SHOULD NOT be fought with a portable fire extinguisher (beyond incipient stage) – evacuate immediately |
| Is the fire too big? | The fire is limited to the original material ignited, it is contained (such as in a waste basket) and has not spread to other materials. The flames are no higher than the firefighter’s head. | The fire involves flammable solvents, has spread over more than 60 square feet, is partially hidden behind a wall or ceiling, or cannot be reached from a standing position. |
| Is the air safe to breathe? | The fire has not depleted the oxygen in the room and is producing only small quantities of toxic gases. No respiratory protection equipment is required. | Due to smoke and products of combustion, the fire cannot be fought without respiratory protection. |
| Is the environment too hot or smoky? | Heat is being generated, but the room temperature is only slightly increased. Smoke may be accumulating on the
ceiling, but visibility is good. No special personal protective equipment is required. |
The radiated heat is easily felt on exposed skin making it difficult to approach within 10-15 feet of the fire (or the effective range of the extinguisher). One must crawl on the floor due to heat or smoke. Smoke is quickly filling the room, decreasing visibility. |
| Is there a safe evacuation path? | There is a clear evacuation path that is behind you as you fight the fire. | The fire is not contained, and fire, heat, or smoke may block the evacuation path. |