What is one reason to have a fire extinguisher on board?

Having a fire extinguisher on board is essential for safety measures while boating, particularly because it can effectively put out engine fires if they occur. Boat engines are often located in confined spaces and can be susceptible to fires due to fuel leaks or electrical issues. A fire extinguisher is a crucial tool that helps ensure the safety of everyone on board by allowing for a quick response to extinguish flames before they spread, potentially saving lives and preventing significant damage to the vessel.

In contrast, while signaling for help in emergencies and lighting campfires might seem useful, these actions do not align with the primary purpose of a fire extinguisher. Using a fire extinguisher for signaling is not effective, and attempting to use it for lighting campfires could be dangerous and impractical. Additionally, a fire extinguisher does not provide protection from lightning strikes, which is a completely different safety concern that requires other preventive measures.