Oak Bay Fire Department 
1703 Monterey Avenue, Oak Bay B.C. V8R 5V6 (250) 592-9121 
Email:  obfire@oakbay.ca       Fax:  (250) 598-2749

News Release
Date: August 4, 2015                                                      OBFD file # 2015-29

For Immediate Release:
Weekly Media Release for Monday, July 27, 2015 to Sunday, August 2, 2015.  Over the past week, Oak Bay Fire Department members responded to 30 calls for assistance.
These calls for assistance include:

 12 - Medical First Responder Requests 
 10 – Commercial / Residential Alarm Activations 
   3 - Public Assistance Calls 
   2 – Burning Complaint 
   2 – Electrical Wires down 
   1 – Natural Gas Incident

Portable Fire Extinguishers: Do I Need One?

WHAT IS FIRE?

Fire is a combination of oxygen, fuel, heat and chemical reaction this is called the Fire Triangle. Remove any one side of the triangle and the fire will go out.

WHY DO I NEED A PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER?

It is always better to fight a fire through prevention and early detection. However, with training and practice adults can use portable fire extinguishers to extinguish small, contained fires. Extinguishing a small-contained fire, such as a cooking pan, wastebasket fire or campfire may prevent needless injury and minimize property damage.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS?

WHERE SHOULD I INSTALL MY PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER?

HOW DO I USE A PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER PROPERLY?

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?

• Follow manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance.
• Check the extinguisher pressure gauge every month to ensure the unit is holding its charge.
• Regardless of the amount of extinguishing agent used, assume the extinguisher is empty. Refill or replace the extinguisher after each use. Rechargeable models should be serviced after every use and remember that disposable extinguishers must be replaced.

For more information contact the Oak Bay Fire Department (250)-592-9121.