Containers like these once held various chemicals used to recharge or refill fire extinguishers. Much like how Koorsen Fire & Security recharges extinguishers today, containers like these could be found in a consumer's home to refill their own extinguisher. Recharging or refilling fire extinguishers after each use ensured that there would be enough pressure and suppressant liquid to extinguish another fire properly.

Carbon tetrachloride extinguishers were the most common extinguisher to be refilled in homes or businesses, but there were also refillable charges for foam fire extinguishers, dry chemical extinguishers, and soda/acid extinguishers. The latter came with separate glass bottles to refill with sulphuric acid once an extinguisher was discharged. Some refill containers came in large packs, with “A” and “B” charges, depending on the extinguisher being serviced. Regardless of the type of extinguisher, it was always important to keep a refill container nearby to ensure that the extinguishers were always ready to put out an unexpected fire.