What does a fire extinguisher do?

A fire extinguisher is designed to put out small fires by ejecting fire-extinguishing chemicals. These chemicals are specifically formulated to quench flames and cut off the chemical reaction that sustains fire. When triggered, the extinguisher releases these substances, which can include foam, dry powder, or other agents, depending on the type of fire it is designed to combat. This proactive approach is crucial for preventing small fires from escalating into larger, uncontrollable blazes, making the ability to quickly and effectively extinguish flames essential for safety in both home and work environments.

The other options do mention aspects related to fire suppression but do not encapsulate the primary function of most portable fire extinguishers. For instance, while some extinguishers may use foam or water as part of their mechanism, the core operation centers around the immediate action of ejecting a chemical solution to extinguish the fire.