If the peanut gallery is done for the moment...
Don't forget that the fire extinguisher requires regular maintenance too, particularly one that is mounted in a vibration prone vehicle like a tractor. Regularly check the extinguisher for damage and pressure. Examine the discharge hose for cracks, the horn for damage and the shell for corrosion. Make sure the hose is still tightly secured to the valve asssembly, that the pin is securely in place and that nothing has crawled up into the hose or nozzle to nest.
At least once a month, invert the extinguisher and tap the bottom firmly with a rubber mallet to loosen the powder inside. Otherwise you may find it vibrated down into a solid cake when you really need it.
If and when you do really need it, stand back at least 5 feet and no more than 10 feet, then remember the acronym P.A.S.S:
Pull the pin! (you'd be surprised how many forget that detail in the heat of the moment)
Aim -- at the base of the fire, ie: the thing that is burning, not at the flames above it.
Squeeze the handle/trigger
Sweep rapidly from side to side, so as to blanket the whole area.
Finally, don't assume the fire is out after the fire is out, especially when dealing with a machine like a tractor. It takes a long time for metal to cool, the fuel load is still there (in fact, if lines ruptured, the fuel load may be increasing!) so the fire may suddenly flare back up after you think it is over. Get the fire department rolling even if you knocked it down with your extinguisher.
If your extinguisher isn't big enough to put the fire completely out, then stay well back away from the machine while you await the fire department. There are often many parts that can fail explosively when heated. For example, gas-charged support cylinders can fire off like little rockets and travel upwards of 100 feet after punching through the sheet metal.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled comedy club...
