Sales and servicing of fire extinguishers A fire extinguisher is an active fire tool that is frequently used in emergency situations to put out or manage small fires. It is not meant to be used on an uncontrolled fire or in any other situation when a fire department’s experience is needed. An agent that can be released to put out a fire is contained in a hand-held, cylindrical pressure vessel called a fire extinguisher. The first tool to contain a fire right from its origin is a fire extinguisher. Therefore, in accordance with NFPA standards, you must have your fire extinguishers serviced on time by a civil defense contractor who has been approved.