In which situation is it NOT advisable to use a fire extinguisher?

Using a fire extinguisher is not advisable when the fire is spreading quickly. In such situations, the risk to personal safety increases significantly. If a fire is getting out of control, it can escalate rapidly, producing toxic smoke and flames that may trap a person or limit escape options.

The priority in a rapidly spreading fire is to ensure personal safety first. If the fire has exceeded manageable limits, attempting to extinguish it could lead to injury or worse. Instead, the correct action is to evacuate immediately and alert the fire department, allowing trained professionals to handle the situation safely.

In contrast, in situations where the fire is small and manageable, where one has been trained to use a fire extinguisher effectively, and where a clear escape route is available, it may be safe to attempt to use an extinguisher to control or extinguish the fire. These circumstances support using an extinguisher because they allow for safe action while minimizing the risk involved.