When putting out a fire, where should you aim?

Aiming at the base of the fire is essential because this is where the fuel source is located. When you direct the extinguishing agent at the base, you effectively interrupt the chemical reaction that allows the fire to burn. This approach ensures that the agent can penetrate and suppress the flames more effectively.

Targeting the flames or the smoke does not address the root cause of the fire; it may momentarily suppress the visible effects but will not extinguish the fire completely. Focusing on the nozzle of the fire extinguisher is not practical either, as it does not help in putting out the fire and simply distracts from the task at hand. Thus, targeting the base of the fire is the most effective method to extinguish it properly.