PASS — the only extinguisher method you need
- PULL the pin, breaking the tamper seal.
- AIM low, at the base of the flames — not the smoke, not the top.
- SQUEEZE the handle slowly and evenly.
- SWEEP side to side until the fire is out, then watch for re-ignition.
- Stand 6–8 feet back. Keep your exit at your back, always.
When NOT to fight a fire
- It is bigger than a trash can, or spreading.
- The room is filling with smoke — smoke kills far more people than flame.
- You do not know what is burning (electrical, chemical, grease all behave differently).
- Your escape route could be cut off.
- You are alone with no one alerted. Pull the alarm and call 911 first, every time.
Evacuation that actually works
- Two exits from every space; know both before you need them.
- Assembly point far enough away that fire apparatus can still stage.
- Named headcount owner per floor or building, with a printed roster — badge systems fail in a power loss.
- Plan for people who cannot use stairs. Designated areas of refuge, and tell responders exactly where they are.
- Never re-enter. Tell responders who is missing and where they were last seen.
Fire watch — what it is and when it is ordered
When a fire alarm or sprinkler system is impaired, the fire code generally requires a trained person to continuously patrol the affected area, watching for fire and able to notify the fire department immediately, with a written log. In Sacramento this is routinely ordered during system repairs, hot work, or after a red-tag. Summit Force runs documented fire watch posts with time-stamped patrol logs — but the requirement itself comes from your fire authority, so always follow their written order.
Watch — public training videos
These videos are published publicly by the organizations credited below. Summit Force did not produce them, is not affiliated with them, and claims no ownership — they are linked here as free study material.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: The PASS Method
Published by Ally Safety
Fire Extinguisher Training (OSHA-aligned)
Published by Ally Safety
Practice quiz
4 questions. Nothing is recorded or submitted — this is study practice only, not an exam and not worth credit.
1.Where do you aim an extinguisher?
2.You should attempt to fight a fire only if:
3.A fire watch is typically required when:
4.After evacuating, you should:
Official sources & further reading
Go to the primary source. Rules change, and only these agencies speak for themselves.