Portable Fire Extinguishers for Residential Use

For Fire Extinguishers used in a Residential home. Used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives. Portable extinguishers for home use, however, are not designed to fight large or speeding fires. Even against small fires, they are useful only under certain conditions.

• The operator must know how to use the extinguisher. There is no time to read directions during an emergency.

• The extinguisher must be within easy reach and in working order, fully charged.

• The operator must have a clear escape route that will not be blocked by fire.

• The extinguisher must match the type of fire being fought. Extinguishers that contain water are unsuitable for use on grease or electrical fires.
  
  
• The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. Many portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as 8 to 10 seconds.

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

REMEMBER THE PASS WORD

If you decide to use your extinguisher to fight a fire, keep your back to an unobstructed exit and stand six to eight feet away from the fire. Follow the four-step PASS procedure.

Always be sure the fire department inspects the fire site, even if you think you’ve extinguished the fire. Should you fight the fire?

Before you begin to fight a fire:

• Make sure everyone has left, or is leaving the building.
• Make sure the fire department has been called.
• Make sure the fire is confined to a small area and is not spreading.
• Be sure you have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread.
• Be sure you have read the instructions and that you know how to use the extinguisher.

To recharge or service fire extinguishers, search the internet for "fire extinguisher service". A fire extinguisher must be serviced by a State Certified Fire Extinguisher Company. A list is provided by the Texas State Fire Marshal's Officer here at this address: https://appscenter.tdi.texas.gov/reports/p/sfmo

To safely dispose of an used fire extinguisher, we encourage residence to follow the manufacturer's instructions or contact the Bastrop County Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 512-581-7176 or at 109 Taylor Street in Smithville, Texas.

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Portable Fire Extinguishers for Commercial/Business Use

For Fire Extinguishers used in commercial/business use. The Fire Marshal is charged with ensuring that occupancies are properly outfitted with portable fire extinguishers and that they are placed in the right locations.

Fire extinguishers are required in the followingoccupancy types within the city limits:

• Ambulatory Health Care, Health care
• Apartments, Hotels, Dormitories, Lodging and rooming
• Industrial, Businesses, Assemblies, Mercantile, Storage
• Day cares, Churches, Educational, Detention and Correctional
• Mobile Food Trucks, Mobile Food Vendors
• Occupancies in special structures
• Or in accordance with the 2018 International Fire Code Section 906.1.

Fire extinguishers are not required in residential one-and two family dwellings unless required for Foster/Adoption homes. 

All portable fire extinguishers must be selected, installed, and maintained in accordance with 2018 International Fire Code Section 906.2 and NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers.

All portable fire extinguishers must be inspected and tagged annually by a State Certified Fire Extinguisher Company.  A list is provided by the Texas State Fire Marshal's Officer here at this address: https://appscenter.tdi.texas.gov/reports/p/sfmo

The portable fire extinguisher must be a type 3A40/BC or 2A10/BC fire extinguisher. The portable fire extinguisher must be mounted on a wall or post that is visible to personnel and public, top of extinguisher cannot be more than 5 feet from the ground. Must be installed as per building plans on file and approved by the fire code official. 

Lastly, Employers need to prepare for emergencies. Make sure smoke alarms and fire protection systems are properly installed, serviced, inspected, and working. Post clear fire escape plans and teach employees about exit locations, escape routes, and fire protection equipment. Establish an educational program to familiarize your employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use. Conduct regular emergency drills and develop an emergency action plan.

The above information should be used as an guideline and is not all inclusive. You can contact the Fire Marshal for guidance and questions.