Keep in mind that if you think a fire might be too large for you to fight--it probably is. If this happens, get away from the fire and proceed to contacting emergency services. If control of the fire is manageable with a portable fire extinguisher, remember the acronym, "PASS" for safe operation.

• Pull the ring pin - Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and pull the ring pin to allow the discharge lever to operate.
• Aim the nozzle - Point the nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever - While cradling the base of the discharge lever with the hand opposite of the hand holding the hose, apply "grip-like" pressure to compress the lever and start the flow of extinguishing agent.
• Sweep the extinguishing agent - onto the base of the fire by utilizing a motion with your hand and arm that allows the agent to be evenly distributed onto the burning material.