What is the purpose of a portable fire extinguisher?

The primary purpose of a portable fire extinguisher is to provide immediate fire suppression. When a fire breaks out, the seconds are crucial, and having a portable extinguisher on hand allows individuals to act quickly to control or extinguish the fire before it spreads and causes more extensive damage or injury. These devices are designed to be accessible and easy to use by anyone, offering a first line of defense against small fires in various environments, such as homes, workplaces, and public areas.

In contrast, notifying authorities, preventing fire hazards, and indicating fire risk zones are important aspects of fire safety management, but they do not directly address the immediate need to combat an active fire situation. These functions are supportive measures that contribute to overall fire safety but do not replace the role of a portable extinguisher in providing direct and immediate response capabilities during a fire incident.