At Basin Safety, we believe that it is important for children to know how to use a fire extinguisher in case of a fire, which is why we are conducting youth fire extinguisher deployment opportunities at the Williston area Extreme machines event, but we will do it with some important considerations:

1. Safety First: The primary concern in a fire is safety. Children should understand that their first action in a fire is to get to safety, alert adults, and call emergency services. Using a fire extinguisher should only be an option if the fire is small, they feel confident, and they can do so safely.

2. Basic Knowledge: Teaching children how to operate a fire extinguisher can be beneficial. They should know the PASS method:

   • Pull the pin.

   • Aim at the base of the fire.

   • Squeeze the handle.

   • Sweep from side to side.

3. Understanding Limitations: Children should also be aware of their limitations, including their physical strength to handle the extinguisher and understanding that not all fires can be safely managed with a portable extinguisher.

4. Practice and Training: If children are taught to use a fire extinguisher, it should be part of a broader fire safety education that includes recognizing different types of fires, understanding fire hazards, and knowing evacuation plans.

5. Age Appropriateness: The age and maturity of the child matter. For very young children, the focus should be more on escape routes, staying low in smoke, and how to safely exit a building rather than using an extinguisher.

Overall, while it's good for children to have a basic understanding of how to use a fire extinguisher, because they might be the first one to spot a home fire and could be the reason your home doesn’t burn down! The emphasis in youth fire extinguisher training should always be on prioritizing their safety and knowing when to evacuate rather than trying to stay and fight a fire.

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