Which is a disadvantage of CO² extinguishers?

A significant disadvantage of CO₂ extinguishers is their short discharge range. These extinguishers are designed to expel carbon dioxide gas to smother a fire by displacing oxygen. However, the CO₂ cloud produced has a relatively limited reach. This can make it difficult for a firefighter to effectively extinguish a fire from a safe distance, particularly if the flames are larger or if there are obstacles present.

Understanding this limitation is crucial for firefighters, as it emphasizes the need for situational awareness and strategy when approaching a fire. Firefighters must either be positioned very close to the fire or use additional tools or tactics to safeguard themselves while using CO₂ extinguishers, which can impact their safety and effectiveness in controlling the blaze.