🔍 Key Concepts

• How carbon dioxide (CO₂) extinguishers put out a fire (oxygen displacement and cooling effect) • Why aiming at flames vs. fuel source makes a difference • Standard firefighting technique for portable extinguishers

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: Are you trying to cool/knock down the visible flames, or cut off the fire at its source? • Which direction of movement (side-to-side vs. vertical) will cover the burning material most evenly and prevent re-ignition? • Think about how CO₂ gas behaves when released: does it rise or sink, and how does that affect where you should aim?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify where firefighting training usually tells you to aim a portable extinguisher: flames or fuel/base • Check which option provides broad, even coverage of the burning surface, not just chasing flames upward • Consider how CO₂ being heavier than air affects whether you start high or low on the fire