Firefighting equipment is intended for extinguishing fire starts

Firefighting equipment includes:

  1. hand-held fire extinguishers,
  2. fire blankets,
  3. mobile fire extinguishing carts,
  4. rapid fire hydrants installed in buildings, and
  5. other manually operated portable products designed for the early stages of fire.

When a fire breaks out, it is important to try and put it out as quickly as possible. Always try first aid firefighting if at all possible. This will minimise any damage. Select suitable equipment and always keep it in a place where you can see and get hold of it easily.

Buy first aid firefighting equipment. Get to know the equipment, practise with it and learn to use it.

In accordance with the obligation of self-preparedness under the Rescue Act, buildings and public events must be prepared for extinguishing fires. The determination and acquisition of necessary firefighting equipment are the responsibility of the building owner, occupier, and operator. Preparedness for fire extinguishing is also regulated in various laws concerning occupational safety and chemical safety

Hand extinguishers must be inspected and maintained

New fire extinguishers must have information about the fire extinguisher's service interval from 1.1.2026 onwards. Fire extinguisher intended for domestic use may also be some other color than traditional red. Domestic use fire extinguishers are marked separately in Finnish and Swedish.

The owner or holder of fire extinguishers must ensure that the operational condition of the fire extinguisher is inspected regularly. The inspection and maintenance obligations of fire extinguishers specifically apply to extinguishers located in public spaces and workplaces. These obligations do not apply to fire extinguishers voluntarily acquired for household or other similar private use, such as in residential homes and vacation properties. However, to ensure their proper functioning, it is also advisable to inspect fire extinguishers purchased for home use regularly. Regulations concerning fire extinguishers in vehicles are specified, among others, in the Traffic Act.

A used hand extinguisher is always taken for servicing.

A used fire extinguisher must always be taken for servicing.  

The placement of a fire extinguisher affects its inspection interval. Fire extinguishers located in dry and temperature-controlled indoor spaces are inspected every two years, while those in other locations are inspected annually. A fire extinguisher on a boat must be inspected annually.  

A fire extinguisher must be serviced at least every 10 years unless a shorter servicing interval is specified on the extinguisher. Additionally, fire extinguishers must undergo a periodic pressure equipment inspection every 11 years in accordance with pressure equipment regulations.  

Fire extinguisher service companies carry out inspection and maintenance work on fire extinguishers. Inspections and servicing are performed by fire extinguisher service companies registered with the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes).

Where can I buy fire extinguishers?

In addition to maintenance companies, first aid firefighting equipment is also available in hardware stores and shops selling household appliances as well as car and boating accessory stores.

What to do with an empty fire extinguisher

You can take an empty portable fire extinguisher to the nearest metal collection point. A pressurised extinguisher can be taken to the nearest maintenance company, which will dispose of it. A used fire blanket can be dumped with mixed waste. A fire blanket can only be used once.

Read more:

Ministry of the Interior Decree on Portable Fire ExtinguishersLink to an external website, Opens in a new tab, in Finnish
Ministry of the Interior Decree on Maintenance and Inspections of Portable Fire ExtinguishersLink to an external website, Opens in a new tab, in Finnish
Fire blanket
Portable fire extinguishers
Stirrup pump and fire hose reel
First aid firefighting