Which NFPA standard would you consult to determine the maximum travel distance to a fire extinguisher in a Class A structure?

• A. NFPA 10
• B. NFPA 1
• C. NFPA 13
• D. NFPA 101

Answer: (A)

The key idea is identifying which standard sets rules for portable fire extinguishers, including how far you can be from one. NFPA 10 specifically covers portable extinguishers—how to select, install, inspect, and place them, with guidance on the maximum travel distances for different hazard classifications such as Class A. That makes it the appropriate reference for determining how far a person may need to travel to reach an extinguisher.

The other standards focus on related but different topics: NFPA 13 deals with sprinkler system design and placement, NFPA 101 is the Life Safety Code concerning occupant protection and egress, and NFPA 1 is a general Fire Code with broader fire protection requirements. None of these provide the specific travel-distance criteria for portable extinguishers like NFPA 10 does.