---
title: "Short note: Fire extinguisher"
subject: "Building Technology"
chapter: 12
key: "semester_6/building_technology:short-fire-extinguisher"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/short-fire-extinguisher
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: Fire extinguisher

Building Technology · Chapter 12: Other services in building

- Asked in: 2079 Jestha, 4 marks
- Video: [🔥 Types of Fire, Fire Extinguishers & Extinguishing Methods – Complete Safety Guide!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4iBCMWC4xM) — The HSE Coach and HSE STUDY GUIDE
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/short-fire-extinguisher
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-12

## Question

Write a short note on fire extinguisher.

## Short answer

A fire extinguisher is a portable steel cylinder that discharges an agent to put out small fires early. Use the correct agent for the fire class (water for Class A, CO2/dry powder for electrical, etc.) and operate by the PASS method: Pull pin, Aim at base, Squeeze handle, Sweep side to side.

## Answer

A **fire extinguisher** is a portable device that discharges an agent (water, foam, gas or powder) to put out small fires in the early stage. It is a steel cylinder with a safety pin, handle, nozzle/hose and pressure gauge.

**Classes of fire and suitable extinguishers**

| Class | Fuel | Extinguisher |
|---|---|---|
| A | Wood, paper, cloth | Water, foam, dry powder |
| B | Flammable liquids, oil | Foam, CO2, dry powder |
| C | Gases | Dry powder, CO2 |
| D | Metals | Special dry powder |
| Electrical | Live equipment | CO2, dry powder (never water) |
| F/K | Cooking oils | Wet chemical |

**Operation (PASS):** Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.

**Placement:** near exits and corridors, about 1 m above the floor, one for about every 200-250 m^2 of floor area, easy to see and reach, with color codes (red body; water red, foam cream, CO2 black, dry powder blue). Inspect regularly and refill after use.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is a fire extinguisher?
   A. A fixed pipe network in the ceiling
   B. A portable steel cylinder that discharges an agent to put out small fires in the early stage
   C. A smoke detector
   D. A large underground water tank
   Answer: B. It is a portable device discharging water, foam, gas or powder to put out small fires early. (Key point: Extinguisher definition)

2. Which extinguisher is suited to Class B fires (flammable liquids, oil)?
   A. Water only
   B. Wet chemical only
   C. Foam, CO2 or dry powder
   D. Special dry powder for metals
   Answer: C. Class B fires are fought with foam, CO2 or dry powder; water would spread burning liquids. (Key point: Classes of fire)

3. What does PASS stand for in using an extinguisher?
   A. Point, Alarm, Spray, Stop
   B. Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side
   C. Press, Aim, Spray, Shut
   D. Pull, Attack the top, Squeeze, Step back
   Answer: B. PASS is Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle and Sweep side to side. (Key point: PASS operation)

4. How should extinguishers be placed?
   A. Hidden in store rooms
   B. Near exits and corridors, about 1 m above the floor, about one per 200-250 m^2, easy to see and reach
   C. On the roof only
   D. At 3 m height, one per building
   Answer: B. They should be visible and easy to reach near exits, about 1 m high, roughly one per 200-250 m^2 of floor. (Key point: Placement)

## Related in other subjects

- [Classes of fire and fire extinguishers](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fworkshop_technology%3Afire-classes-extinguishers) — Workshop Technology, chapter 1