AWS Welding Inspection and Testing Certification Practice Test

When using a fire extinguisher, where should it be aimed to effectively extinguish a fire?

1. At the flames

2. At the base of the fire

3. At the wall behind the fire

4. At the source of oxygen

The correct answer is: At the base of the fire

The most effective method when using a fire extinguisher is to aim at the base of the fire. This is because the source of the flames is located at the base, where the combustible materials are present. Targeting the base allows for the extinguishing agent to directly impact the fuel that is burning, leading to more efficient suppression of the flames. Aiming at the flames themselves may seem intuitive, but this approach is less effective because the flames can easily reignite if the underlying fuel is not addressed. Attempting to aim at walls or the source of oxygen is also not strategic, as it doesn’t directly tackle the core of the fire, further delaying the extinguishing process. Therefore, focusing on the base of the fire provides the best chance for quickly and effectively putting it out.