How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: The PASS Method and Fire Classes
Most people have stood next to a fire extinguisher their whole working life and never used one. In an emergency, hesitation and the wrong technique cost seconds that matter. Here is the method and the decision behind it.
QUICK ANSWER
To use a fire extinguisher, follow PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. First confirm the extinguisher matches the fire class (A for ordinary combustibles, B for flammable liquids, C for electrical, D for metals, K for kitchen). Only fight a small, contained fire with a clear exit behind you, otherwise evacuate and call for help.
The PASS Method
- Pull the pin to break the tamper seal.
- Aim low, at the base of the fire, not the flames.
- Squeeze the handle to release the agent.
- Sweep from side to side across the base until the fire is out, watching for reignition.
Match the Extinguisher to the Fire Class
- Class A: ordinary combustibles, wood, paper, cloth.
- Class B: flammable liquids and gases.
- Class C: energized electrical equipment.
- Class D: combustible metals.
- Class K: cooking oils and fats.
Exit first
Only fight a fire that is small, contained, and not spreading, with a clear exit at your back. If any of those are not true, leave and call for help. No extinguisher is worth a life.
OSHA requires training for employees expected to use extinguishers. The hard part is not the four letters of PASS, it is acting correctly under stress, which is why hands-on practice matters. See our fire extinguisher simulation training and the full safety program.
WE BUILD THIS IN VR — THE PRIME VR
We build fire response into VR, where employees choose the right extinguisher, apply the PASS technique, and make the fight-or-evacuate decision against a realistic, spreading fire, without a live flame. Every attempt is measured and repeatable.
Book a discovery callFrequently Asked Questions
What does PASS stand for? +
PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. Pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, and sweep side to side across the base until the fire is out.
When should you not use a fire extinguisher? +
Do not fight a fire that is large, spreading, blocking your exit, or producing heavy smoke. In those cases, evacuate immediately and call emergency services. Only attempt a small, contained fire with a clear exit behind you.
Does OSHA require fire extinguisher training? +
When employers provide extinguishers for employee use, OSHA generally requires training on the general principles of use and the hazards involved, provided when first assigned and at least annually.
Practice the emergency before it happens
We build fire response into safe, repeatable VR practice.