What is the primary purpose of using fire extinguishers?

The primary purpose of using fire extinguishers is to suppress small fires effectively. Fire extinguishers are designed to quickly and efficiently put out fires that are in their initial stages, before they escalate into larger, more dangerous situations. They are a crucial tool in fire safety and are most effective when used on small fires that can be controlled by the individual using the extinguisher.

Using a fire extinguisher can prevent a fire from spreading, thereby protecting lives and property. It is essential for individuals to be trained in the correct use of extinguishers to ensure they can respond effectively when a small fire occurs, thereby minimizing damage and risk.

While other options mention important aspects of fire safety, such as containing fires or alerting others, those elements are more about handling a fire's broader response rather than the direct action of extinguishing a fire itself. Fire extinguishers do not eliminate all fuel sources and cannot be expected to contain every type of fire until help arrives; their intended use is specifically to suppress manageable fires right from their inception.