Fire extinguisher placement is one of the most effective ways to protect your loved ones. Fire extinguishers must be easily accessible and properly distributed throughout your home. Having a portable fire extinguisher on every level is a key fire safety measure!

Fire Extinguisher Placement: Combat Potential Hazards

Fires don’t just start in the kitchen! While grease fires (class K fires) are common in cooking spaces, fires can ignite from a variety of other sources: electrical issues, flammable liquids, or even malfunctioning appliances. Fire extinguisher placement should consider all potential fire hazards throughout your entire home, from the kitchen to the basement.

Ensure your extinguisher is accessible on every level. Extinguishers should be within 30-75 feet of a fire hazard for easy access during an emergency (NFPA). If you’re on a different level of your home, running to grab a fire extinguisher wastes valuable time. In an emergency, you want to put the fire out, not running a marathon to find an extinguisher!

Here are some common fire hazards across different rooms in your home:

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most hazardous areas in the home due to the frequent use of heat sources. It’s important to keep fire extinguishers accessible in this area, particularly class K extinguishers. Make sure a kitchen fire extinguisher is placed near your cooking area for easy access. 

Fire hazards to look out for:

• Stovetops/ovens
• Cooking oils and cleaning supplies
• Dish towels, oven mitts, and paper towels near heat sources
• Malfunctioning or outdated appliances

Living Room

Your living room can also be a fire-prone zone. Space heaters or candles can pose a risk if left unattended. Consider keeping a fire extinguisher close to high-risk areas like fireplaces or heaters. Nothing ruins a cozy night like a fire hazard!

Fire hazards to watch for:

• Space heaters or electric blankets
• Candles, incense, or other open flames
• Faulty electrical outlets or overloaded power strips
• Flammable furniture and drapes

Bedroom

Flammable materials and electronic devices can spark a fire if not handled properly. Be sure to place a fire extinguisher near the bedroom exit or where it’s easily accessible.

Fire hazards to be aware of:

• Overheated lamps and light bulbs
• Charging electronics or batteries overnight
• Space heaters or electric blankets
• Overloaded extension cords or power strips

Garage or Workshop

The garage and workshop areas pose unique fire risks due to the presence of gasoline, propane tanks, and other flammable materials. Keep an extinguisher nearby any flammable liquids and avoid turning your DIY project into a fire drill!

Fire hazards include:

• Flammable liquids like gasoline or paint
• Gas-powered tools or equipment
• Overheated electrical tools
• Propane tanks or other gas cylinders

Laundry Room

It's important to keep fire extinguishers accessible near appliances prone to overheating. Extinguisher placement requirements should ensure that the fire extinguisher is within a safe and easy-to-reach distance from these sources.

Potential fire hazards in this area:

• Lint buildup in clothes dryers
• Overheated washing machines or dryers
• Faulty or outdated appliances like irons or dryers
• Chemical cleaners or flammable liquids

Basement or Attic

Basements and attics often store items that can easily catch fire, such as old papers or flammable materials.

Fire hazards to consider:

• Exposed electrical wiring or panels
• Old appliances like dehumidifiers or refrigerators
• Space heaters or portable heating units
• Clutter that blocks escape routes

Fire Extinguisher Placement In Hallways and Stairs

Hallways and stairs are vital escape routes during a fire, so these areas should not be overlooked. Place fire extinguishers near exits in easy to grab areas.

Key fire hazards:

• Blocked escape routes or clutter in hallways
• Overloaded outlets and extension cords
• Lamps or lighting fixtures near flammable materials

Understanding The Major Fire Classes

• Class A fires: solid combustibles (wood, paper, cloth)
• Class B fires: flammable liquids (gas, paint)
• Class C fires: electrical
• Class K fires: cooking (grease, oil)

In your home, consider having an extinguisher that covers all major fire classes, such as Element!

Equip Yourself with the Best Home Fire Extinguisher

Element offers a great solution for your home fire protection needs. Not only is it rated for all major fire classes, but doesn't require any maintenance. At 10.75" in length, Element can be easily kept in places you need it the most. Store Element in a drawer, mounted to your fridge, or on a shelf for easy access. Element is non-toxic and safe around children and pets. Equip your home with the advanced fire protection of Element.