The Marion Fire Department is pleased to offer fire extinguisher training for Marion businesses for a nominal fee. In some cases, your insurance company will cover the fee.

If you would like to schedule a training, please call us at 319-377-8237.

General Fire Extinguisher Information

Fire extinguishers can be very useful is putting out small fires as long as they are used properly. When purchasing a fire extinguisher, there are a few things to think about. 

First, select the type of extinguishing agent for the type of fire that you are most likely to have. Things that burn have been divided into four classes:

• Class A – ordinary combustibles (paper, wood, cardboard, etc.)
• Class B – flammable liquids (cooking grease, gasoline, kerosene, etc.)
• Class C – fires involving energized electrical equipment
• Class D – combustible metals

Many of the common fire extinguishers are the ABC type, which means that they can be used on a Class A, Class B, or Class C fire. This would cover almost all common household fires.

Second, decide upon the size. A common size for households is the five-pound size. 

If you have any question regarding extinguisher size for business or apartment building use, please contact the Marion Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 319-377-8237.

Extinguisher Tips:

1. Always direct the agent stream to the base of the fire. Be careful not to splatter a flammable liquids fire.
2. If a pan of grease on the stove is on fire and the cover to the pan is handy, try to extinguish the fire by sliding the pan lid onto the pan. This will smother the fire. Sprinkling baking soda on fire may also put it out. DO NOT TRY TO CARRY THE PAN OUTSIDE AS IT MAY SPLASH AND BURN YOU!
3. Check the extinguishers pressure gauge periodically. If the pressure is low, have the extinguisher serviced or replaced. 
4. The Marion Fire Department does not service extinguishers. Look in the Yellow Pages under Fire Extinguishers for businesses that service and sell extinguishers.

Please remember that if you have a fire, your most important task is to get you and your family to a place of safety. Do not fight a fire if you are putting yourself and/or other at risk by doing so. Instead, retreat and call 911.

If you have any further questions of fire extinguishers or fire safety, please call Marion Fire Department at 319-377-8237.