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Where to Place Fire Extinguishers in Your Building

By Frank Jones··3 min read

Fire extinguisher placement isn't guesswork. Get it wrong and face fines, insurance issues, or worse - equipment that can't help when needed.

Here's exactly where to put your fire extinguishers.

Height Requirements

Wall-mounted extinguishers must follow strict height rules:

Standard Units (Under 40 lbs)

  • Top of extinguisher: 5 feet max from floor
  • Bottom clearance: 4 inches min from floor
  • Sweet spot: Mount so handle is 3.5-4 feet high

Heavy Units (Over 40 lbs)

  • Top of extinguisher: 3.5 feet max from floor
  • Often floor-mounted with wheels
  • Must be secured to prevent tipping

Travel Distance Rules

No one should walk more than:

  • 75 feet to reach a Class A extinguisher
  • 50 feet to reach a Class B extinguisher
  • 30 feet to reach a Class K extinguisher (kitchens)

Measure actual walking distance, not straight lines. Account for walls, furniture, and obstacles.

Strategic Placement Locations

Must-Have Spots

  • Near each exit door
  • Stairwell landings
  • Main hallways and corridors
  • Areas with electrical panels

High-Risk Areas

  • Kitchens (Class K units)
  • Mechanical rooms
  • Storage areas
  • Workshops or labs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Behind doors when open
  • In corners that get blocked by equipment
  • Too high for shortest employee to reach
  • Where sprinkler systems might block access

The 36-Inch Rule

Keep 36 inches of clear space around each extinguisher. This means:

  • No storage boxes in front
  • No equipment that might shift
  • Clear sight lines with proper signage
  • Easy access during emergencies

Floor Plan Strategy

Single-Story Buildings

Start with exits and work inward. Place units so the maximum travel distance never exceeds code requirements.

Multi-Story Buildings

Each floor needs its own extinguishers. Don't assume someone will run upstairs during a fire.

Open Warehouses

Use both wall-mounted and wheeled units. Large open spaces often need mobile extinguishers for better coverage.

Signage Requirements

Every extinguisher needs:

  • Red background sign with white text
  • "FIRE EXTINGUISHER" clearly visible
  • Arrow pointing to exact location
  • Signs visible from 100 feet away

Professional Installation Tips

Mount to wall studs, not just drywall. Use proper brackets rated for the extinguisher weight. Consider tamper-evident seals in high-traffic areas.

Inspection Access

Place extinguishers where monthly visual checks are easy. Avoid spots where you'll need ladders or have to move equipment just to inspect.

Get placement right the first time. Your fire marshal will check every location during inspections.