What is the primary purpose of a fire extinguisher?

The primary purpose of a fire extinguisher is to put out small fires. Fire extinguishers are designed specifically to suppress and extinguish flames before they escalate into larger, uncontrollable fires. They contain various agents that are effective against specific types of fires, enabling users to target the flames effectively.

While protecting property and preventing injuries are important considerations in the context of fire safety, they are secondary to the immediate function of extinguishing small fires. A fire extinguisher acts as a first line of defense that individuals can employ to manage a fire situation safely and effectively, thereby preventing further damage and enhancing safety. Providing a warning is not a direct function of a fire extinguisher; rather, that role is typically fulfilled by smoke detectors and alarms.