Which condition indicates that the fire is too large to be controlled with an extinguisher?

When a fire has spread beyond its original source, it indicates that the situation has escalated and is likely too large for a portable fire extinguisher to handle effectively. Portable extinguishers are designed for small, contained fires where the flames can be readily reached and extinguished. Once a fire spreads beyond its starting point, it suggests a significant increase in size, intensity, and potential danger, making it more challenging to control. A fire that has expanded may also be consuming more fuel and oxygen, which can lead to rapid growth and increased heat, posing a greater risk of injury or damage. Therefore, recognizing that a fire has spread is a critical indicator that it may require the intervention of trained firefighters and larger firefighting equipment rather than just a handheld extinguisher.