What is the primary purpose of portable fire extinguishers?

The primary purpose of portable fire extinguishers is to control small fires and prevent them from spreading. These devices are designed to be used in the initial stages of a fire, where immediate action can stop the fire from growing larger and becoming unmanageable. Fire extinguishers allow individuals to take proactive measures to suppress or extinguish a fire before it escalates, potentially saving lives, property, and reducing damage. Their effectiveness relies on the operator's ability to quickly recognize the fire's type and use the appropriate extinguisher to combat it safely and effectively.

In contrast, extinguishers are not intended for large fires, as their limited capacity may not have the desired effect on significant or rapidly spreading blazes. While they can support fire department efforts, their primary role is not to supplement these efforts but rather to provide an immediate response. Additionally, creating fire barriers is typically more involved and would require structures or firefighting equipment instead of a portable extinguisher.