At what distance should you position the hand-held fire extinguisher from the fire?

When using a hand-held fire extinguisher, positioning it at an appropriate distance from the fire is crucial for effective use while ensuring personal safety. The correct distance of 8 feet allows the operator to maintain a safe distance from the flames while still being close enough to deliver effective extinguishing agents to the fire. This distance helps in minimizing smoke inhalation and risk of injury while allowing for accurate targeting of the flames.

Positioning too close, such as at 4 feet or 2 feet, could expose the user to significant danger from heat and flames, reducing their ability to effectively control the fire. On the other hand, standing too far away, like at 12 feet, might make it difficult to effectively apply the extinguishing agent, resulting in a reduced chance of successfully putting out the fire. Therefore, the 8-foot distance strikes a balance between safety and effectiveness in extinguishing a fire.