Carbon dioxide, dry powder and vapourising liquid extinguishers : Fires produced by spilled liquids should be extinguished by directing the jet or discharge horn towards the near edge of the fire and with a rapid sweeping motion drive the fire towards the far edge until all the flames are extinguished. Other types of fire may be extinguished by directing the jet directly at the burning material. The current should be switched off first if the fire is close to electrical equipment. The controlled discharge type of extinguisher may be turned off once the fire is out, but the fire should not be left unattended as re-ignition may occur. Vapourising liquid extinguishers should not be used in a confined space if there is a danger that the fumes may be inhaled.

Figure: Use of carbon dioxide and vapourising liquid extinguishers.

 A fire blanket may be used in conjunction with a carbon dioxide extinguisher, for example, for flammable liquids and other fires. The fire is first smothered with the blanket and the carbon dioxide extinguisher is used to ensure that all the flames are extinguished. Burning clothing should be extinguished by rolling the victim in the fire blanket on the floor. Fire blankets are more usually made of glass fibre than of asbestos. You will study more about fire blankets shortly.