When is it appropriate to use a fire extinguisher during a fire emergency?

Using a fire extinguisher during a fire emergency is appropriate when it is safe to do so. This means that the individual must assess the situation and ensure that they are not putting themselves in danger. Factors to consider include the size and intensity of the fire, the availability of a clear escape route, and ensuring that the fire is manageable with an extinguisher. If the fire is too large, has spread beyond control, or if smoke and flames are obstructing the escape route, attempting to extinguish it could put one at significant risk.

The focus on safety ensures that your efforts to put out the fire do not compromise your own safety or the safety of others in the vicinity. The other choices emphasize steps such as waiting for alarms to sound, notifying leadership, or only using an extinguisher if trained, which can be important in certain contexts but do not capture the crucial aspect of immediate situational assessment under dynamic emergency conditions.