What is the primary purpose of a fire extinguisher?

The primary purpose of a fire extinguisher is to suppress or extinguish small fires. Fire extinguishers are specifically designed as active fire protection devices that can be used to combat initial stages of fire effectively. When a fire ignites, quick action with the right type of extinguisher can prevent the fire from escalating, thereby protecting lives and property. They contain various agents such as water, foam, powder, or carbon dioxide, which are effective in dousing flames, depending on the class of fire.

While increasing fire safety awareness and preventing fires is essential, these tasks are typically the responsibilities of fire prevention programs and education. Primarily, a fire extinguisher serves a tangible, direct function in emergency situations by providing a means to actively control and extinguish flames before they grow larger and more dangerous. Using extinguishers as decoration is not part of their intended use and can mislead individuals about their importance and functionality in real-world emergencies.