Fire Safety and Extinguisher Use Course 2026
This course is for security guards and site staff who need to spot fire hazards and use a portable fire extinguisher safely. It covers the fire triangle, fire prevention on patrol, fire classes, extinguisher types, the PASS method and monthly checks.
Quick answer
This free course has about 30 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.
What you will learn
- Explain the fire triangle and how extinguishers stop a fire
- Spot and report common fire hazards on patrol
- Match fire classes A, B, C, D and K to the right extinguisher
- Use an extinguisher with the PASS method
- Decide when to fight a fire and when to leave
- Do a basic monthly extinguisher check
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: D. Fuel, heat and oxygen
A fire needs fuel, oxygen and heat at the same time. This is often drawn as the fire triangle.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: D. Without fuel, heat or oxygen, the fire cannot keep burning
Every way of putting out a fire works by taking away fuel, heat or oxygen.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: A. Cooling the burning material
Water cools burning material below the point where it can keep burning.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: D. Smothering the fire by pushing away the oxygen
CO2 displaces the oxygen around the fire, which smothers it.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: D. Class A
Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, cloth, rubber and plastics.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: A. Class B
Class B fires involve flammable liquids, gases, oils, paints and lacquers.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: C. Class C
Class C fires involve energized (live) electrical equipment.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: B. Class D
Class D fires involve combustible metals like magnesium, titanium, sodium and potassium. They need special extinguishing agents.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: C. Class K
Class K fires involve cooking oils and fats in cooking appliances.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: D. Water conducts electricity, so you could be shocked
Water extinguishers are only for Class A fires. They must not be used on electrical, flammable liquid or cooking oil fires.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: B. Wet chemical
Wet chemical extinguishers are made for cooking oil fires and help prevent re-ignition.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: B. Multi-purpose dry chemical
Dry chemical extinguishers cover Class B and C fires, and some types also cover Class A.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: C. It leaves a residue that can damage electrical equipment
Dry chemical agents leave a powder residue that can harm sensitive electrical equipment.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: D. CO2 pushes away oxygen, which can make it hard for you to breathe
Because CO2 displaces oxygen, using it in a confined space needs proper respiratory protection.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: B. Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
PASS reminds you to pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle and sweep side to side.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: A. Between the fire and your escape route
Always keep your way out behind you so you can leave if the fire grows.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: C. From the edges inward
Sweep floor fires from the edges in, so you push the fire back on itself instead of spreading it.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: B. Keep watching it, because it may reignite
Never walk away from a fire that seems to be out. Hot material can flare up again.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: C. The fire is spreading beyond where it started
Do not fight a fire that is spreading, or if you do not know what is burning or how to use the extinguisher.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: A. Pull the fire alarm, evacuate and call the fire department
If you cannot safely put out the fire, raise the alarm, get out and call the fire department.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: A. Monthly
CCOHS advises a visual inspection of portable fire extinguishers every month.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: C. At least once a year, or sooner if the monthly check finds a problem
Extinguishers should be serviced at least yearly, or whenever an inspection shows servicing is needed.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: B. Report it so it can be taken out of service and replaced
Corrosion that causes pitting is a reason to remove an extinguisher from service.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: A. In a cool, well-ventilated place using proper flammable storage equipment
Store flammables in a cool, ventilated place in proper storage equipment, avoid large amounts, and avoid basements.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: B. Cardboard boxes piled against a furnace room heater
Combustibles near heat sources can start fires. Report and, if allowed, correct poor housekeeping.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- A fire needs fuel, oxygen and heat at the same time.
- Class A is ordinary combustibles, B is flammable liquids and gases, C is live electrical equipment, D is metals and K is cooking oils.
- Never use a water extinguisher on electrical, flammable liquid or cooking oil fires.
- PASS means Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. Keep your escape route behind you.
- Portable extinguishers should be visually inspected monthly and serviced at least once a year.
Frequently asked questions
Should a security guard always try to put out a fire?
No. Only fight a small fire if you are trained, know what is burning, have the right extinguisher and your exit is behind you. Otherwise pull the alarm, leave and call 911.
Which extinguisher is used most often in offices?
Many buildings use multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers marked for Class A, B and C fires. Always read the label on the one in front of you.
How do I check an extinguisher on patrol?
Look that it is in place and not blocked, the pin and seal are in place, the gauge reads in the operating range, there is no damage or rust, and the tag is up to date.
Why can't I use water on an electrical fire?
Water conducts electricity, so you could be shocked. Use an extinguisher marked for Class C fires.
Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?
No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace the security licence training required in your province or territory.