How far should you stand from the fire when using a fire extinguisher?

Standing 10-15 feet away from a fire when using a fire extinguisher is important for safety and effectiveness. This distance allows you to maintain a safe space while still being close enough to effectively aim the extinguisher at the base of the flames. Fire extinguishers are designed to project the extinguishing agent over a certain distance, and being within this range helps ensure that the contents can reach the fire before they lose pressure or effectiveness.

Standing too close could expose you to danger from flames or heat, while being too far away may make it difficult to adequately extinguish the fire. Therefore, the 10-15 feet range strikes a balance between safety and effectiveness, allowing you to control the situation more effectively.