Which situation requires the use of a fire extinguisher?

The use of a fire extinguisher is most appropriate when faced with a small and manageable fire, as this allows individuals to take immediate action to contain or extinguish the fire before it escalates and threatens safety. This proactive approach can prevent the fire from growing into a more severe hazard that could necessitate evacuation or lead to significant property damage.

In situations where the fire is raging out of control, attempting to use a fire extinguisher can be extremely dangerous and is not advisable. Instead, the focus should shift to safety and evacuation. Similarly, if the fire alarm has failed to sound, it does not change the nature of the fire; if it's small, immediate action is still ideal, but the malfunction of the alarm system indicates a potential risk in communication about the emergency. Additionally, when everyone is evacuating, the priority should be on leaving the building safely rather than trying to extinguish the fire, especially in cases where the situation may be hazardous. Hence, using a fire extinguisher is a responsible course of action when the fire is small and manageable, allowing for effective risk mitigation.