What is the recommended distance to stand from a fire when using an extinguisher?

Standing approximately 6 to 8 feet away from a fire when using an extinguisher provides an effective balance between safety and efficacy. This distance allows the user to spray the fire effectively without being too close, which could put them at risk of heat or flames. The extinguisher should create a fog pattern that helps to suppress the flames while still allowing the user to maintain a safe position.

If the distance is too short, such as 3 to 5 feet, there's a greater danger from the heat and potential fire spread. Conversely, standing too far away—like 10 to 12 feet or more—might reduce the extinguisher's effectiveness, making it difficult to direct the agent onto the flames and control the fire properly. Thus, the 6 to 8 feet range optimizes both user safety and fire suppression effectiveness.