What is the primary purpose of a fire extinguisher?

The primary purpose of a fire extinguisher is to put out small fires. Fire extinguishers are designed to store and dispense various types of extinguishing agents that can effectively combat different classes of fire, such as those fueled by paper, wood, flammable liquids, and electrical sources.

Using a fire extinguisher promptly can prevent a small fire from escalating into a larger, uncontrollable blaze, thereby protecting lives, property, and the environment.

While decorative elements, weight for exercises, and signaling for help might have their own contexts, they do not reflect the intended and practical function of a fire extinguisher. The effectiveness of extinguishing small fires quickly and safely is what makes fire extinguishers a critical component of fire safety in both residential and commercial settings.