Walter Kidde invented the first fire extinguisher in Hoboken, N.J., on this day in 1917. Thanks to his invention, many of the millions of fires that begin in homes every year are easily put out by homeowners before a tiny flame becomes a raging inferno. Most hardware centers sell home fire extinguishers. There are three types -- for different kinds of fires. Class A is for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper. Class B is for flammable liquids, and Class C is for electrical fires. Many are A-B-C combinations that douse almost any household fire with 60 to 80 ounces of chemical powder or foam. Buy one or more with a pressure gauge and check often for readiness. Finally, should fire occur, remember the letters P A S S for Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep. Keep one or more fire extinguishers handy wherever fire is a potential threat in your home. And that's the On The House tip for today.