Who should principally use portable fire extinguishers?

Portable fire extinguishers are primarily intended for use by the occupants of a building. This is because they are often the first line of defense in the event of a small fire. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) guidelines emphasize that individuals should be trained to use these extinguishers effectively and safely to control or suppress a fire before it escalates.

Occupants are typically the first to detect a fire, and having the capability to use a portable fire extinguisher allows for a rapid initial response. Proper training ensures that these individuals know how to assess whether a fire is manageable and how to operate the extinguisher correctly, which can significantly impact the outcome of the situation.

While firefighters, facility managers, and emergency response teams do play critical roles in fire safety and response, they are often not the first responders to a fire incident in non-emergency situations. Firefighters typically arrive on the scene after an alarm has been triggered or a fire reported. Facility managers may oversee fire safety protocols, but their role does not include immediate firefighting duties. Emergency response teams are trained to handle larger scale incidents, but when it comes to the use of portable fire extinguishers, the responsibility primarily lies with the building's occupants to provide quick action under