When discharging a fire extinguisher, where should you aim?

Aiming at the base of the fire is the correct approach when using a fire extinguisher. This technique ensures that the suppression agent is directed where it can be most effective: at the source of the fire. Fires consist of combustible materials that ignite and burn, and addressing the base directly helps to extinguish the flames effectively, depriving the fire of its fuel.

When extinguishing a fire, it is crucial to remember that directing the spray at the flames themselves, rather than at the base, may not be effective. This is because the flames can be fuelled by the materials burning above, and focusing on them might not adequately address the root of the fire. Aiming at the ceiling would generally be counterproductive, as it does not mitigate the fire and could even contribute to further spread if any combustible materials are present above. Similarly, directing the extinguisher at the surroundings of the fire fails to engage the fire's source and could leave the situation unresolved, allowing it to reignite. Thus, targeting the base of the fire is the most strategic and effective method for extinguishing flames safely.