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

Standing 8-10 feet away from a fire when using a fire extinguisher is essential for both safety and effectiveness. This distance allows you to maintain a safe margin from the heat and flames while still being able to effectively aim the extinguisher's nozzle at the base of the fire, which is critical for extinguishing it. The distance ensures that you are not too close to the fire, which could potentially put you in harm's way if the flames flare up unexpectedly.

At the same time, standing too far away might make it difficult to adequately reach the fire with the extinguishing agent, reducing the effectiveness of your efforts. The focus should always be on safety first, while also ensuring that you can directly address the source of the fire. This balance between safety and effectiveness is why maintaining a distance of 8-10 feet is recommended when using a fire extinguisher.