Sound the alarm and use the right fire extinguisher: a guard’s quick guide to handling small fires.

Outline for the article

• Hook: a small fire happens—what should a security guard do, and why it matters beyond the moment

• Core action: why you should sound the alarm and grab the right fire extinguisher

• Why other instincts can backfire: blankets, door-closing, or “wait and see”

• A practical, real-world method: assess, alert, extinguish, evacuate, report

• Ontario context: codes, training, and the tools that guards use every day

• Ready-to-use tips for guards: drills, kit checks, and knowing the building

• Gentle closer: staying calm, doing the right thing, and keeping people safe

When a small fire flares up, it can feel like a high-stakes moment in a busy building. People depend on security staff to act quickly and calmly, to prevent sparks from turning into bigger problems, and to help others get to safety. This isn’t about heroics; it’s about following solid, trained steps that match the reality on the ground. Let me explain why the safest, most effective next move is to sound the alarm and use a fire extinguisher with the right agent. And yes, this is something every security professional in Ontario should be comfortable doing, as part of their everyday responsibilities.

The correct move—why it makes sense

Think about fire safety like a chain: alarm, control, escape. If you detect a small fire, your priority is to alert everyone and begin containment with the proper equipment. Sounding the alarm serves two essential purposes at once: it triggers the building’s evacuation protocol and notifies the people who may be far from the fire to move toward safety. At the same time, selecting and using a suitable fire extinguisher (one with the right agent for the specific fire type) can stop flames from spreading. The right combination protects lives and reduces property damage. It’s a measured, practical response rather than a rush to improvise.

Why not the other options?

• Close the door and hope to cut off the oxygen: It’s a tempting instinct, especially if you think you can “box in” a small blaze. But fires don’t respect our best-laid plans. A closed door can slow airflow, but it won’t extinguish flames, and it can trap heat and smoke inside a room. If the fire isn’t contained quickly, heat and toxic gases can build up, endangering anyone nearby. It’s a risk masquerading as control.

• Use a blanket or trap to smother the fire: This sounds simple, almost cozy. In practice, blankets can ignite or fan the flames if they’re not the right material, and they may not reach the heart of the fire. Even small flames can become larger fast when covered with a blanket that’s not designed for fire suppression. It’s a tactic that often fails when speed and accuracy are needed.

• Do nothing because guards aren’t firefighters: That assumption undercuts the role security staff actually play in emergencies. Trained guards are there to protect people, maintain order, and act within their scope. They’re not solo firefighters, but they are the first, informed responders in many routines. Knowing when to escalate to professionals while executing initial containment is a crucial skill.

A practical, real-world method

Here’s a straightforward sequence you can put into practice the moment you suspect a small fire:

1. Safety first, always

• Pause long enough to assess whether you’re in immediate danger. If the flames are spreading quickly or smoke is thick, prioritize evacuating people and calling emergency services. Safety isn’t optional; it’s the baseline.

2. Sound the alarm

• Trigger the building’s fire alarm or alert system. A loud, clear alarm ensures occupants know to evacuate and helps prevent confusion. If you have a public-address system, use it to guide people to the nearest exits and away from the danger.

3. Call for help

• In Ontario, dial emergency services (911) if you believe there’s a real risk or if you can’t confirm the fire is fully under control. Notify building management and the designated safety officers. A quick, precise report helps responders arrive with the right mindset and resources.

4. Choose the right extinguisher

• Fire extinguishers come with different agents tailored to different fire types. In many facilities, the versatile choice is an ABC dry chemical extinguisher, which covers ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. If you’re faced with a particular fire type, use the extinguisher with the appropriate agent. If you’re unsure, prioritize evacuation and seek professional help rather than guessing.

5. Use the PASS technique

• Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the flames, Squeeze the handle, Sweep from side to side. This simple method is taught in many security and safety programs and helps you act with precision. Keep your back to an exit, if possible, so you can retreat safely if the situation worsens.

6. Don’t risk it if you’re not sure

• If the fire is growing, or you’re unsure about the extinguisher’s suitability, abandon attempting to fight it yourself. Get people to safety and wait for trained firefighters. Your primary job is to protect lives first.

7. Evacuate and account for people

• Direct occupants to the nearest safe exit. If you can do so without putting yourself at risk, assist people who need help, especially anyone with mobility challenges. Once outside, move to the assigned muster point and do a headcount if you’ve been tasked with it.

8. Report and document

• After the scene is under control, file a concise incident report. Note what happened, what actions were taken, the extinguisher type used, and any injuries or near-misses. This isn’t about blame; it’s about learning and improving safety for the next time.

Ontario context: codes, training, and tools

Ontario has a structured approach to fire safety that every security professional should be fluent in. Building safety plans, fire alarm systems, and the right kind of extinguishers are part of a broader regulatory framework. The Fire Code and related regulations outline responsibilities for building owners, managers, and on-site staff. Guards aren’t just bystanders in a crisis—they’re frontline responders who can initiate evacuation, coordinate communication, and support responders when they arrive.

Training matters. In Ontario, security personnel often train on:

• Fire extinguisher types and when to use them

• How to read and respond to fire alarms and annunciators

• Evacuation routes, door operations, and stairwell usage

• Communication with occupants, supervisors, and emergency services

• Documentation of incidents and after-action reviews

A few practical guard-ready tips

• Keep your extinguishers accessible and checked. A quick visual inspection can catch issues before they matter. Make sure the tag is current and that the nozzle isn’t clogged.

• Know your building inside and out. Where are alarms, stairs, elevators (if any), and muster points? A mental map is a big advantage when urgency rises.

• Practice with purpose. Regular drills aren’t just boxes to tick; they help you move smoothly from alarm to evacuee guidance to, if needed, initial containment.

• Learn the layout and the common fire hazards. Kitchens, electrical rooms, and storerooms might demand different responses. Your familiarity can influence the speed and safety of your actions.

• Keep communication clear. Use concise language, confirm instructions, and avoid jargon that can confuse people during stress.

A few grounded myths to debunk

• “Closing the door will do the job.” Doors slow airflow but don’t extinguish. Rely on trained responders and the right equipment.

• “A blanket can handle a small fire easily.” It’s a poor bet for many fire types. It could ignite or not cover the flame’s base.

• “Only firefighters should touch a fire.” Security staff often are the first on the scene. They’re trained to respond promptly, stabilize conditions, and support responders.

What this means for your day-to-day

Let’s keep this simple: being prepared matters more than appearing brave. If you’re on patrol and you notice smoke or a small flame, your first move should be to alert, then act with the right tools, and finally, guide people to safety. That blend of alertness and practical action is what keeps buildings safer and people calmer when things go sideways.

A light-hearted aside that circles back

If you’ve ever tried to manage a crowded hallway during a drill, you know how quickly the mood shifts from casual chat to focused movement. The same goes for real life. A calm, confident tone helps people follow directions without panic. It’s not about sounding tough; it’s about making sure everyone moves in a safe, orderly way. And that starts with knowing the steps and keeping your head when the flames flash.

Closing thoughts

Facing a small fire is one of those moments where training meets reality. The right next step—sound the alarm and use a fire extinguisher with the appropriate agent—offers the best chance to protect lives and limit damage. It’s a practical, disciplined approach that fits the responsibilities of security professionals in Ontario. By staying informed about fire safety basics, keeping equipment ready, and practicing procedures, guards become an essential line of defense that helps people feel safe and confident when alarms ring.

If you’re working in this field, keep these points in your pocket:

• Always prioritize safety and evacuation first

• Use the extinguisher with the proper agent for the fire type

• Call for help and notify the right people without delay

• Document what happened for future improvement

With that mindset, you’re not just “on duty”—you’re a steady, dependable guardian of people’s safety. And that makes all the difference when minutes count.