Definition
A fire extinguisher is a portable device that sprays a substance (like water, foam, or carbon dioxide) to put out a fire. It's a firefighter in a can. Different types of extinguishers are designed for different kinds of fires. Using the wrong type can actually make a fire worse! Think of it as a first-aid kit for fires. Keep in mind that an extinguisher is for small, contained fires only. If a fire is large or spreading rapidly, evacuate immediately.