They are powder-filled. I think they would have been alright. Of course, one question is whether or not they even would have worked...
I am a trained fire fighter.
With a Dry powder extinguisher, remember that one must shake it upside down 2-3 times to unsettle the powder. The powder tends to form a cake over a period of time. Henceforth, this procedure of shaking it prior activating is
very important.
Also, in good buildings, you usually have planned maintenance system where some someone has the responsibility of shaking the powder once every few months or at least once a year to unsettle the powder. If they are not doing it, and the powder is caked firmly, yours shaking it 2-3 times before use may not be 100% helpful.
--
When using fire extinguishers, its also very important to know the class of fire, you are dealing with. For example if you are dealing with a oil fire, its very important not to try to use water to fight it, as it will act like a fuel to the fire.
If its a electrical fire, its very important to switch off the power as the first step before proceeding further.
--
One of the easiest things one can do for small fires, is use a blanket. Regular blanket to put on top of the fire.
Everyone reading this episode regarding our dear friend, El Queso, should immediately take note of their surroundings. Take a note of the ways to escape your apartment or house, other than the most obvious route. - the front door Take a note of all the fire extinguishers in your vicinity. Go and read it as to what type of fire extinguisher it is and see the instructions as to how to use it. Most fire extinguishers have a safety clip that must be removed prior using it. If the fire extinguisher looks debilitated and you are paying a huge maintainance fees every month, talk to the building manager about getting a new one or keeping it maintained.
Also look for any fire alarm buttons - some building have those. Learn how to activate them. They usually have a glass protection and a very very small tong/hammer to break the glass. Make sure its still there.
Someone suggested to have a smoke detector fitted. Its a excellent idea. But also with smoke detectors they need to be tried out from time to time to ensure they would work in a real situation. I have never seen anyone in a residential building trying out the smoke detectors as part of a planned maintenance system. If office buildings, they do this, sometimes.
One more thing which everyone here can do is to have a look at their Kitchen extractors. All of them have wire mesh. Remove that wire mesh and underneath, you will often see oil accumulated there. In a fire situation, it may act as a source of fire. Remember to clean up that oil once every week or so as a preventive measure.
For those who want to be extra cautious, they may consider putting fluorescent arrow signs towards the direction of the main door. Put these arrow at around 1 feet above the ground/floor level. These signs are helpful in night time in pitch darkness and room full of smoke, as to see where to proceed.
Before going to sleep every night, ensure the gas is switched off. Leaking LPG is one of the most dangerous things which can happen. The LPG after leaking lies low on the ground. And when you come in the morning to light the gas or start a spark, the LPG will ignite and a blast will occur. The LPG tends to reach out to the spark cos of its properties.
Finally, be aware of the Fire triangle - the three main components of fire - Heat, Fuel and Oxygen. In a fire, if one can stop any of these three, the fire will be extinguished. So for example, in a small fire, if you use a blanket - the oxygen will be depleted. If its a oil fire, if you can stop the oil flow to the sight of fire by cutting off its route..the fire will be extinguished. etc
