What should you do if you cannot extinguish a fire with a fire extinguisher?

If you cannot extinguish a fire with a fire extinguisher, the safest course of action is to evacuate immediately. This is crucial because staying in a dangerous situation can lead to severe injuries or fatalities due to smoke inhalation or the potential for the fire to spread rapidly. Evacuating ensures that both you and others in the vicinity can reach a safe distance away from the fire.

Calling for help is also important, but the primary focus in an emergency where a fire cannot be controlled is to ensure everyone's safety first by leaving the area. Attempting to douse the flames with water could be risky, especially for certain types of fires (such as grease or electrical fires) where water could make the situation worse. Containing the fire, while a sound strategy in some scenarios, implies an ability to control or manage the fire, which is not the case when an extinguisher fails. Prioritizing evacuation keeps you and others out of harm's way while emergency services can be alerted to manage the fire safely.