Under what circumstances should you not use a fire extinguisher?

Using a fire extinguisher is suitable when the fire is small and manageable. In circumstances where the fire is large or spreading quickly, attempting to use a fire extinguisher can be extremely dangerous. That's because larger fires can quickly overwhelm the extinguisher's capacity to control the flames, putting the person using it at significant risk. If the fire has progressed to a point where it poses an immediate threat to life or cannot be effectively controlled with an extinguisher, evacuation should take priority, and calling the fire department is crucial.

Factors such as smoke, heat, and the spread of fire can create an unsafe environment where trying to extinguish the fire could put lives at risk. Understanding the limitations of your equipment and making sound judgments based on the situation at hand is critical in an emergency.