---
title: How to use a fire extinguisher
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/how-to-use-a-fire-extinguisher-bethlehem-steel-1941/
description: Three-band instruction chart showing soda-acid, foam and carbon-tet extinguishers, each with hand diagrams, a spray stream and the type of fire it suits
section: Collection
---

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3. How to use a fire extinguisher

[![How to use a fire extinguisher, 1941 US poster: Three-band instruction chart showing soda-acid, foam and carbon-tet](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/how-to-use-a-fire-extinguisher-bethlehem-steel-1941.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/how-to-use-a-fire-extinguisher-bethlehem-steel-1941.jpg)

# How to use a fire extinguisher

Three-band instruction chart showing soda-acid, foam and carbon-tet extinguishers, each with hand diagrams, a spray stream and the type of fire it suits (ordinary, oil, electrical). No war imagery appears. The technique is faint here; the sheet is practical instruction and presents only these three types.

## Propaganda techniques used in this poster

[Card stacking](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/card-stacking/)

## Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

```
How to use a Fire Extinguisher
SODA-ACID (water base) FOR ORDINARY FIRES (wood, rubbish, etc.)
Usually painted red
Turn upside down to start
Aim at base of fire
NOT for ELECTRICAL Fires
NOT for OIL fires
FOAM ... BEST FOR OIL FIRES
Top painted yellow
Turn upside down to start
Aim at inner side of container
or
Let stream fall gently on fire to form a blanket of foam. DON'T aim into the OIL.
NOT for ELECTRICAL Fires
CARBON-TET ... BEST FOR ELECTRICAL FIRES
Can be used on ordinary and oil fires
Open valve
Press lever-spray into fire
DON'T breathe the smoke and fumes
Unlock by turning handle
then pump
Aim at base of fire
[imprint:] © BETHLEHEM STEEL COMPANY
```

[← How to Recap With F Grade Capping Stock](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/how-to-recap-f-grade-capping-stock-1941/) [Hurts - doesn't it →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/hurts-doesnt-it-1941/)

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