What is the primary purpose of fire extinguishers?

The primary purpose of fire extinguishers is to control small fires. They are designed specifically to suppress and extinguish flames in their early stages before they can escalate into larger, uncontrollable fires. This allows individuals to respond promptly and safely before professional firefighting assistance arrives. Fire extinguishers are equipped with various agents that are effective against specific types of fires, making them a vital tool in fire safety and emergency response.

While warning signals are important for alerting occupants to a fire, they do not actively engage with the fire itself. Emergency lighting helps maintain visibility during an evacuation, and ventilating smoke is crucial for safety during a fire but does not extinguish it. The effectiveness of fire extinguishers in controlling early-stage fires is why they are such an essential component of fire safety protocols in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.