What to Do After Using a Fire Extinguisher at Your Business

Tabatha Erickson • September 8, 2026

Steps to Take After a Fire Extinguisher Is Used

Five red fire extinguishers of varying sizes grouped together on a white background

Using a fire extinguisher can help stop a small fire from becoming a much larger emergency. But once the fire is out, your responsibilities do not necessarily end there. A fire extinguisher that has been used needs attention before it can be considered ready for the next emergency.

Make Sure Everyone Is Safe First

Your first priority after any fire is people. Make sure everyone is accounted for and follow your workplace emergency procedures. If the fire has not been completely extinguished or there is any question about whether the area is safe, leave the building and let emergency responders handle the situation.

A fire extinguisher should only be used when the fire is small, conditions are safe, and you have a clear escape route.

Do Not Simply Put the Extinguisher Back

Even if you only used a small amount of the extinguishing agent, do not assume the unit is ready to go back on the wall.

OSHA requires workplace portable fire extinguishers to be maintained in a fully charged and operable condition. Rechargeable extinguishers are also required to be recharged after use.

That means a recently used extinguisher should be taken out of service and evaluated by a qualified professional. Depending on the type and condition of the extinguisher, it may need to be recharged, serviced, repaired, or replaced.

Make Sure Your Business Still Has Protection

When a fire extinguisher is removed for maintenance or recharging, OSHA requires employers to provide alternate equivalent protection while it is out of service.

This is one reason it is important not to wait until an extinguisher is needed again to address the issue. Your business needs appropriate fire protection available at all times.

Have the Extinguisher Professionally Serviced

After an extinguisher has been used, contact a qualified fire protection professional to determine what service is needed. Firesafe Equipment provides fire extinguisher sales and service for businesses throughout Maine and offers inspection, servicing, and recharging.

Keeping your extinguishers ready is an important part of maintaining a business fire safety program. If you have recently used an extinguisher or are unsure whether one is ready for service, contact Firesafe Equipment to discuss your needs.

A red fire extinguisher with a black handle on a white background.

Fire Extinguisher Training

By noreply • April 2, 2020
It is a requirement by Federal Regulations that if you have fire extinguishers in the workplace your employees must be trained to use them. Compliance Training is required for use of fire extinguishers. Federal regulations require that employers who provide portable fire extinguishers in the workplace, also provide training in their use. Firesafe Equipment Co., Inc, offers customized, on-site compliance training on fire extinguisher use. Our program utilizes open discussion, video, actual hands on training, and when desired hands on with live fire. Firesafe Equipment Co., Inc, also provides personalized training for customer personnel who are responsible for conducting conduct monthly extinguisher checks. How can I sign up for fire extinguisher training in my workplace? You can sign up for a future date for fire extinguisher training at your business by emailing or calling us at 207-784-7525 firesafe@fire-safe.com. Stay Safe!