The Ag Director of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service, Engr Sani Saidu has explained that the dry chemical powder (DCP) fire extinguisher cannot be used a second time after any time the valve lever is pulled to fight a fire outbreak or mistakenly pulled. He said that once the valve lever is pulled, the content of the cylinder escapes because the dry powder cannot return to its original position.

He made the disclosure during a chat with news men in Abuja about the activities of his organization.

Wherever there is such an occurrence on any DCP fire extinguisher, Engr Saidu said the owner should go and refill it within twenty four hours and get it ready in case of another fire outbreak.

He said there is another type of fire extinguisher that does not get exhausted when the valve lever is pulled to fight a fire outbreak. He called this type carbon dioxide (CO2) which is in gaseous form.

According to Engr Saidu, when the valve lever is pulled for use, it releases the CO2 in the cylinder to fight the raging fire. He further explained that immediately the lever is released, the valve closes thereby stopping the CO2 in the cylinder from coming out.

The CO2 fire extinguisher he said could be used several times depending on the size of the cylinder and the rate and number of usage.