Every business faces a variety of unique risks every day. Fire is one of the most common and costly hazards for businesses, regardless of industry. No matter your sector, being prepared for a fire emergency is essential to protect your employees, property, and bottom line.

Why fire safety matters

Fires can happen anywhere and spread fast. A two-story building can be fully engulfed in under five minutes, and within 30 seconds, flames begin to grow rapidly. Ontario reported 475 wildland fires in 2024, burning nearly 90,000 hectares, compared to the 10-year average of 694 fires and 201,781 hectares burned. Nationally, Canada faced record-breaking insured losses of $8.5 billion in 2024 due to severe weather events, including fires.

Fire extinguishers: your first line of defense

Portable fire extinguishers are a critical component of any loss prevention program. But simply having one isn’t enough — you need the right type, size, and placement, and employees must know how to use them.

The key points to remember about fire extinguishers are:

  • They should be selected based on the class of fire you may need to extinguish, the potential size of the fire, and the maximum floor area per extinguisher.

Classes of fire:

A – wood, paper, cloth, trash, and other ordinary materials

B – gasoline, oil, paint, and other flammable liquids

C – live electrical equipment

D – combustible metals and combustible metal alloys

K – kitchen (vegetable or animal oils and fats)

Fire extinguishers have three main classifications or ratings that indicate the type of fire they will extinguish. All ratings are shown on the extinguisher faceplate; some extinguishers are marked with multiple ratings such as BC and ABC. These extinguishers are capable of putting out more than one class of fire.

To operate an extinguisher, remember the acronym P.A.S.S.

  • P – Pull the pin.
  • A – Aim extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames.
  • S – Squeeze trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.
  • S – Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering the area of the fire with the extinguishing agent.
  • They should be located along normal paths of travel, mounted on a wall, and not be obstructed from view. Fire extinguisher signs should be placed above the extinguisher and in clear view.
  • They should be kept fully charged and in their designated places.
  • Employees should receive regular training in fire extinguisher use.
  • A qualified fire extinguisher service contractor should be consulted regarding selection, placement, and servicing of your fire extinguishers.
  • They should be inspected and serviced annually by a certified contractor, with a tag attached showing contractor’s name and service date.
  • Documented monthly visual inspections should be conducted by personnel to ensure that each extinguisher is in its designated place, that it has not been actuated or tampered with, and that there is no obvious physical damage or condition to prevent its operation.

Protect your business with insurance

Loss prevention is often seen as a cost to the business — but it’s actually a cost-saving measure as it can mitigate losses. Including fire extinguishers in your loss prevention program is one way to control the risk of fire before it incinerates your bottom line. To find out more about the necessary insurance to protect your business from property losses due to fire, visit our property insurance page.

 This blog is provided for information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and will not be responsible for any loss arising out of reliance on the information.