Under what circumstances should a fire extinguisher be used instead of evacuating?

Using a fire extinguisher is most appropriate when the fire is small and contained, and you are not in immediate danger. This situation allows for a tactical response to extinguish the fire before it has the chance to grow beyond control. The fire should be at a manageable size, meaning it has not spread significantly and can be tackled with a handheld extinguisher.

If the fire is small and contained, it indicates that the risk of the fire spreading is minimized, and with the right knowledge and equipment, a person can effectively use the extinguisher to extinguish it. Importantly, ensuring that the person is not in immediate danger allows them to act safely without putting themselves at risk, thus reinforcing a responsible approach to fire safety.

In contrast, a large fire presents a risk that typically exceeds the capacity of a standard fire extinguisher and poses significant danger to anyone attempting to fight it. Fires near flammable materials can escalate quickly, making evacuation the safer option. Lastly, the presence of smoke is a critical danger factor; even if a fire seems small, smoke can indicate that the fire is producing toxic fumes or that it is spreading, necessitating evacuation over attempting to extinguish it.