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Fire extinguishers
Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and fire sprinklers are all forms of active fire protection (AFP). Active fire protection is defined as a system that is installed to detect and/or suppress structure fires. To ensure reliability such systems must be tested regularly and replaced or repaired occasionally. AFP is most effective when used in conjunction with fire safety education.
Fire resistant construction materials have been used in commercial buildings for years and are becoming more common in private residences. In some cases architects design structures to be less likely to catch fire and safer in the event of a fire. In all cases fire extinguishers are the cheapest, easiest way to provide fire protection. They are most often used in emergency scenarios and are most effective in controlling small fires.
Businesses that do not have another form of AFP, such as sprinklers, are required by law to have fire extinguishers available. Sprinkler systems are much more efficacious, especially in retarding large fires, but they are difficult and expensive to install. Typically sprinklers are designed to automatically go off when activated by a certain amount of heat. Smoke detectors are also triggered by heat and/or smoke.
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