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Serving Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin

Fire Extinguishers for Fire Safety

Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguisher are a critical component of any fire safety plan. At ProntoMS, we help you select from different types of extinguishers – based on building materials, occupancy type, and fire risk. 

With our partners, we offer a range of commercial-grade extinguishers, including ABC, CO2, and Class K models, from trusted brands like Amerex. Many are rechargeable and serviceable, ensuring long-term reliability and compliance. 

Whether you need a full system layout, a one-time inspection, or recurring service, ProntoMS ensures your extinguishers are the right type, properly placed, and always ready.

A closeup image of a fire extinguisher
A technician inspecting a fire extinguisher

Fire Extinguisher Inspection

A fire emergency  can happen at any time, in any area of a business. While fire protection systems help control blaze and alert the proper authorities, fire extinguishers provide the first and more immediate line of defense – giving employees and visitors the best chance to avoid harm.

Have your fire extinguishers been inspected recently? If not, they may fail when needed most. Regular inspections, along with proper refill and replacement services, are essential to ensure extinguishers function properly in an emergency.

How to use a fire extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are a critical safety tool in any commercial property. Understanding how to use them properly can prevent small incidents from becoming major emergencies. 

Most businesses should be equipped with ABC- rated extinguishers, which are effective against common workplace fire types: combustibles (Class A), flammable liquids (Class B), and electrical fires (Class C). Extinguishers should be appropriately sized for the environments – typically 5 to 20 lb units – and located in accessible locations per NFPA 10  standards. 

When using an extinguisher, follow the PASS technique: 

  • Pull the pin 
  • Aim at the base of the fire 
  • Squeeze the handle 
  • Sweep side to side 

Never lift of operate an extinguisher by the nozzle or hose. For environments with higher fire risk – such as commercial kitchens or data centers – specialized extinguishers like Class K (cooking oils) or CO₂ units maybe required. 

Per NFPA 10, portable fire extinguishers must be: Inspected Monthly, Professionally serviced annually, and Hydrostatically tested. 

Always ensure staff are trained, extinguishers are regularly inspected, and usage instructions are clearly visible.

A pair of hands seen in the image of placing a safety pin to fire extinguisher
Closeup image of fire extinguisher with a blured vision of pair legs seen in the rear.

Portable Fire Extinguishers in Illinois

Not all fire extinguishers are created equal – and not every workspace needs the same type. A commercial kitchen has very different fire risks than an office with sensitive electronics. That’s why ProntoMs helps businesses across Illinois and other states in the Midwest find the best solution for them. The right extinguishers for their specific environments. 

With a range of options, including:

  • ABC dry chemical extinguishers (for common combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires) 
  • CO₂ extinguishers (ideal for electrical equipment and server rooms) 
  • Class K extinguishers (for commercial kitchens and grease fires) 

In addition to supplying extinguishers, at ProntoMS we can help provide: 

  • Certified guidance on proper extinguisher placement to meet NFPA 10 and local code requirements
  • Routine inspection and maintenance services to ensure compliance and readiness 
  • Employee training so your staff knows how to respond quickly and effectively in an emergency 

Trust us to help your business find the right solution for all your fire protection needs. With ProntoMS, you will have confidence that your facility is prepared with the right tools, properly maintained, and ready to respond in a fire emergency.

The Classes of Portable Fire Extinguishers

Selecting the correct type of fire extinguisher is essential for effective fire protection in any commercial or industrial environment. Different fire extinguisher classes are designed to address types of hazards:

◈ Class A – For ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, cloth, and plastics 

◈ Class B – For flammable liquids such as gasoline, oils, and solvents 

◈ Class C – For energized electrical equipment and wiring 

◈ Class D – For combustible metals including magnesium, titanium, and aluminum 

◈ Class K – Specifically designed for commercial kitchen for commercial kitchen grease fires 

For environments with multiple fire risks, ABC – rated extinguishers are commonly used because they can handle Class A, B, and C fires in one unit. 

Proper Use and Maintenance 

All extinguishers are labeled with their respective class ratings, making it easy to identify the right unit in an emergency. However, having the right extinguisher is only part of the equation. 

  • Training is key: All staff should be familiar with the P.A.S.S technique – Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep – to deploy an extinguisher effectively. 
  • Placement matters: Extinguishers should be mounted in easily accessible areas, clearly visible and unobstructed. 
  • Maintenance is required: According to NFPA 10, extinguishers must be inspected monthly and undergo annual professional servicing to remain compliant and reliable. 

At ProntoMS, we help businesses find the best solutions with the help of our trusted partners. We will help your business run smoothly by offering a wide range of fire extinguishers, installation, training, and code-compliant inspection services.

Fire extinguisher safety tips

Proper use of a fire extinguisher can make a critical difference in protecting lives and property during a fire emergency. Here are key safety tips to follow: 

  • Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. This is where the fuel source is, and extinguishing it Is the most effective way to stop the fire from spreading. 
  • Maintain a safe distance – typically 6 to 8 feet away – and approach with caution while discharging the extinguisher. 
  • Never turn your back on a fire, even if it appears to be out. Be alert for re-ignition. 
  • Evacuate immediately and call the fire department if the fire grows beyond your control or spreads rapidly. 
  • Check the pressure gauge regularly to ensure the extinguisher is charged and ready for use. 
  • Ensure all staff are trained in proper use of extinguishers and aware of the emergency exit plan. 

Routine inspections and NFPA 10-compliant servicing are essential to ensuring your fire extinguishers are functional when they’re needed most. 

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