Using a fire extinguisher
Extinguishers are only for small fires. If it is big, evacuating always comes first.
Four steps
- Pull the safety pin.
- Hold the nozzle and aim at the base of the fire — at what is burning, not the flames.
- Squeeze the handle firmly.
- Sweep side to side, like brushing.
Rules you must keep
- Stand with the exit behind you. Standing between the fire and the door traps you.
- Keep the wind at your back.
- If the fire reaches the ceiling, evacuate immediately. An extinguisher won't do it.
- Don't work alone — shout for help.
- Always call 119, even if you think it is out. Fires reignite.
By fire type
- Cooking oil fires — never pour water. It spreads explosively. Smother with a lid, or use a class K extinguisher.
- Electrical fires — switch off the breaker if you can, and don't spray water.
- Gas fires — close the valve if you can reach it safely, then evacuate. If it is dangerous, just get out.
Day to day
- Know where the extinguishers are at home and work.
- Check the pressure gauge needle sits in the green range occasionally.
- In apartments, check your unit's extinguisher and descending life line.
- A class K extinguisher in the kitchen is worth having.
Where to go
- 119 fire and rescue (multilingual interpretation available)
- Your apartment's management office
- Your local fire station (safety training enquiries)
- 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation
Questions people ask
I've never used one. Local fire stations run free safety experience sessions and training. Doing it once makes an enormous difference. Ask them.
My extinguisher is old. If the gauge is outside the normal range, or the unit is old, it needs checking or replacing. Ask the management office or fire station.
How do I use a fire hydrant? It takes two or more people and is hard without training. Alone, focus on the extinguisher and evacuating.
What if there's a lot of smoke? Don't try to fight it — evacuate immediately. A few breaths of smoke will render you unconscious.
Take care
"Just a bit more" is what kills people. If it isn't out within thirty seconds, give up and get out. A single extinguisher only handles a very small fire.
Related
fire-emergency · gas-leak · electric-shock · call-119
Source
National Fire Agency www.nfa.go.kr / As of 2026-08