What is the purpose of a fire extinguisher?

The primary purpose of a fire extinguisher is to put out small fires. Fire extinguishers are designed to suppress fires before they can spread and grow larger, making them an essential tool in fire safety. They contain different types of extinguishing agents that can be specifically effective against certain classes of fire, such as those caused by flammable liquids, electrical equipment, or ordinary combustibles.

Having this equipment readily available allows individuals to respond quickly to a fire incident, potentially preventing extensive damage or injury. The effectiveness of a fire extinguisher is contingent on its proper use and the correct selection for the type of fire being addressed. Thus, the focus on extinguishing small fires makes fire extinguishers invaluable in both residential and commercial fire safety plans.

The other choices, such as creating smoke, evacuating a building, or warning of fire presence, do not align with the fundamental function of fire extinguishers, which is suppression, not detection or evacuation.