What role do fire extinguishers play in fire safety?

Fire extinguishers are vital tools in fire safety, primarily designed to suppress small fires before they escalate into larger, uncontrollable situations. Their effectiveness lies in their ability to deliver agents that can extinguish flames, cool down hot surfaces, and block the oxygen that feeds flames. This makes them immensely important in both residential and commercial settings, where the quick response to a small fire can save lives, property, and minimize the spread of fire.

In contrast, while barriers to fire spread can be important in fire prevention and containment, extinguishers are not designed for this purpose. Fire extinguishers also do not prevent fires from starting; their primary function is to act in response to a fire that has already begun. Additionally, the assertion that they provide lighting during a fire is misleading, as extinguishers are not intended to illuminate an area. Their main focus is to immediately address and control small fires safely and effectively.