Fire extinguishers are one of the most frequently overlooked tools of fire protection. Fire extinguishers can provide building occupants with the ability to suppress or extinguish fires at a relatively low level before the fire can progress to a larger level.

Fire extinguishers should be complemented with other fire protection systems such as automatic sprinkler systems, smoke control systems, and fire alarm systems. Good fire protection techniques begin with the design of the building, the choice of construction materials, and the management of potentially hazardous materials within the building. But if your company has moved into an existing building, you'll have to focus on active fire protection techniques rather than passive ones.