Umair Gaines
Electrical fires are extremely dangerous and can result in fatalities and injuries. It is imperative to know how to respond to an electrical fire to prevent it from escalating into a devastating disaster. If you are unsure about your ability to put out the fire, the best course of action is to evacuate the premises and call the fire department. However, if you feel confident in handling the situation, there are several methods you can employ to extinguish the fire. Firstly, disconnect the electricity supply to cut off the source of the fire and reduce the risk of electrocution. Then, use a fire extinguisher, baking soda, or a fire blanket to smother the flames. Remember, water should never be used to put out an electrical fire as it can conduct electricity and lead to electrical shocks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Response | If the fire is large, evacuate the building and call 911. If the fire is small, cut off the power supply. |
| Power Supply | If the appliance is plugged in, unplug it. If not, go to the breaker box and flip the breaker. |
| Fire Extinguishers | Use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Ensure it is rated for electrical fires (Class C or ABC). |
| Fire Blankets | Use a fire blanket to smother the fire. |
| Baking Soda | Throw baking soda directly onto the fire to smother it. |
| Water | Do not use water to put out an electrical fire. Water conducts electricity and will make the fire worse. |
| Prevention | Have electrical systems checked by a licensed electrician at least biannually. |
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What You'll Learn
Don't use water
Water is a natural conductor of electricity, so throwing water on an electrical fire will make the situation worse. If you throw water on an electrical fire, you can get shocked or electrocuted. Water will also allow the fire to spread quickly and ignite any highly flammable materials that may be close by.
If you are able to cut the power source, you can then use water to put out the fire as no electricity can be conducted. However, in any other case where the removal of power is not possible, do not use water. For small household electrical fires, baking soda is the best way to quickly and easily smother the flames. Baking soda works to block oxygen, which means the fire is not being fed. If you’re unable to turn off the power before using this method, ensure you do not touch the appliance or machine in the process of putting out the fire.
Fire blankets can be helpful for smothering small electrical fires. If you don’t have a fire blanket, you can use very dense (non-flammable) fabric or clothing. You will need to ensure the material you are using is not combustible; otherwise, it will catch fire and worsen the situation.
If you have fire extinguishers on your property, this is the time to use them. A fire extinguisher is the best way to put out an electrical fire. Aim the spray at the base of the fire to put it out as quickly as possible and prevent any hazards. If you don't feel that you can safely put out an electrical fire, the first thing to do is call for emergency support. Firefighters are equipped with the skills and equipment to swiftly and safely put out fires. If possible, disconnect the electricity before they arrive if it is safe to do so. If not, evacuate the area immediately.
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Cut off the electricity
If you encounter an electrical fire, the initial and most critical action is to sever its power source. This will not only reduce the risk of the fire spreading but also the risk of electrical shocks.
If the device causing the electrical fire can be reached safely, unplug it. If the fire has spread to the plug, switch, or circuit, turn off the main switch at the switchboard. If your electrical system is old, it may be worth booking an electrician to investigate.
If you can't reach the cord and outlet safely, or if the fire has spread to a plug, switch, or circuit, go to your electrical panel and turn off the power at the main breaker. This will stop the source of the sparking or arcing that started the fire.
If you are unable to extinguish the electrical fire, get out of the building and call the fire department. Close the door as you leave to contain the fire. If the electrical fire started on an appliance attached to the wall, ceiling, or floor, call the fire department, as the fire may be burning or smouldering inside the building where you can't see it.
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Use a fire extinguisher
If you are dealing with an electrical fire, your first instinct should be to cut off its power supply. If it's safe to do so, unplug the device or switch off the circuit breaker. This swift action will stop the fire from spreading and curb its intensity by starving it of its energy source. If the plug is involved or you can't reach it, go to your electrical panel and turn off the power at the main breaker.
If you have a fire extinguisher, this is the time to use it. Electrical fires are a Class C fire, which means that you will need an extinguisher that is appropriate for this type of fire. Most residential fire extinguishers are multi-purpose and labelled ABC, but it is crucial to verify this before using it on an electrical fire. If you are not trained to use a fire extinguisher, only use a C-rated extinguisher. A- and B-rated extinguishers are designed for normal fires and flammable material fires, respectively, and may make the fire worse or shock you if the power is still on.
When using a fire extinguisher, use the PASS technique:
- Pull the silver safety pin on the handle of the extinguisher.
- Aim the hose and nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher slowly.
- Sweep from side to side, making sure to get every part of the fire.
CO2 or dry chemical extinguishers are the best choice for electrical fires as they are non-conductive and will not put you at risk of electric shock.
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Smother with baking soda
If you encounter an electrical fire, do not throw water on it. Water is a natural conductor of electricity, and pouring it on an electrical fire can result in electrocution or electrical shocks. It can also cause the fire to spread more quickly.
If the fire is small and manageable, you can use baking soda to extinguish it. The chemical composition of baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, is the same as that found in Class C fire extinguishers. To put out the fire, quickly pour or throw a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the flames. This will smother the fire and cut off its oxygen supply.
However, it is important to note that this method is only suitable for small electrical fires. If the fire is large or has spread, do not attempt to put it out. Evacuate the premises immediately and call the fire department. It is also recommended that you call the fire department if the electrical fire started from an appliance attached to the wall, ceiling, or floor, as the fire may be burning or smouldering inside the building where you can't see it.
Additionally, if you cannot turn off the electricity to the affected area, be cautious not to touch the appliance or any objects connected to it while dumping the baking soda. Always prioritize your safety, and if you have any doubts about your ability to put out the fire, evacuate and seek professional help.
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Evacuate and call 911
If you encounter an electrical fire, your safety and the safety of those around you should always be the top priority. If the fire is large or you feel threatened, it is crucial to evacuate and call emergency services immediately.
- Evacuate: Get yourself and any family members out as soon as possible to prevent injury or loss of life. Do not try to be a hero. Follow a pre-planned escape route to guide your family to safety and get everyone out immediately. If you begin to feel unsafe, an exit becomes blocked, you get burned, you start to breathe in smoke, or your firefighting techniques are not working, abandon your efforts and get out of the building. Your belongings and the building are not worth risking your safety.
- Close doors behind you: As you leave, close the door to help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.
- Call 911: Once you are safely outside, call 911 or your local fire department. Inform them that you believe it is an electrical fire. Do not re-enter your home until the firefighters have told you it is safe to do so.
While it is important to know how to respond to an electrical fire, it is even more important to take action to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Here are some tips to help prevent electrical fires:
- Regular electrical inspections: Hire a qualified, professional, and licensed electrician to conduct regular electrical safety inspections of your home. They can help identify potential causes of electrical fires and recommend necessary repairs or updates.
- Replace old or inconsistent appliances: Keep an eye on older appliances and replace them at the first sign of trouble. Outdated or failing appliances are a common cause of electrical fires.
- Proper electrical device usage:
- Avoid overloading outlets by plugging in too many devices with multiple-outlet adapters.
- Be cautious when using extension cords, checking the cord's wattage rating against the items you're using. Avoid long-term use, and do not use them for heating or cooling devices or place them next to combustible materials.
- Do not run extension cords under rugs, carpeting, or around sharp objects or corners.
- Do not overload circuits or use "outlet extenders" that allow multiple appliances to be plugged into one receptacle.
- Use lamps that match the wattage of the light fixture.
- Ensure electrical devices and appliances are maintained and free from damage.
- Install smoke detectors and arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs): Install smoke detectors in every room of your house to detect smoke from electrical fires. AFCIs can detect dangerous electrical changes and shut off the circuit, preventing potential fires.
- Develop an evacuation plan: Create and practice an evacuation plan with your family members to ensure preparedness in the event of an emergency.
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