When aiming the H2O extinguisher, you should tilt no more than what angle?

• A. 60 degrees
• B. 90 degrees
• C. 45 degrees
• D. 30 degrees

Answer: (C)

When using a water extinguisher, the goal is to cool and smother the base of the fire. Direct the water at the base with a steady, controlled stream. Keeping the nozzle tilted no more than forty-five degrees helps maintain a focused reach to the base and prevents the water from shooting upward or splashing off the fuel. Tilt more than that reduces control and effectiveness, making it harder to hit the base and increasing the chance of water wasting or back-splash toward you. A much shallower tilt may not reach the base effectively unless you’re very close. The forty-five-degree limit strikes the right balance for directing the cooling effect where it’s needed.