When operating a fire extinguisher, what is the safest approach to the fire?

The safest approach to operating a fire extinguisher is with the wind at your back. This method helps to ensure that smoke, heat, and flames do not blow towards you as you attempt to extinguish the fire. By positioning yourself in this manner, you also maintain visibility and improve your ability to effectively direct the stream of the extinguisher towards the base of the fire.

Approaching a fire against the wind can be dangerous, as it can cause the flames and heat to be blown towards you, potentially putting you at greater risk of injury. Approaching from the side may provide some safety but does not offer the same level of control over smoke and fire behavior as having the wind at your back. Approaching directly into the wind is particularly hazardous, as it can lead to a rapid introduction of heat and flames towards your body or equipment, significantly increasing the risk of injury. Thus, approaching with the wind at your back is the most effective and safest strategy when using a fire extinguisher.