Wiktor Wise
Electrical fires can be extremely dangerous and pose a huge risk. Knowing how to respond quickly and appropriately could be the difference between a small fire and a devastating disaster. It is important to be aware of the necessary precautions to prevent electrical fires, such as regular inspections by a licensed electrician, installing smoke detectors, and practising good fire safety habits. If you are faced with an electrical fire, do not throw water on it as water conducts electricity and will make the situation worse. Instead, cut off the electricity by unplugging the device or turning off the main switch at the switchboard. If it is a small fire, you may be able to put it out by smothering it with baking soda or using a fire extinguisher. However, if the fire is large, get out of the house immediately and call 911.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do first | If it is a large fire, get out and call 911 or your local fire department. |
| What to do if it is a small fire | Cut the power and use a fire extinguisher, baking soda, dirt, salt, or a fire blanket to put out the fire. |
| What not to do | Do not throw water on an electrical fire as water conducts electricity. |
| Preventative measures | Install smoke detectors in every room and test them monthly. Develop an evacuation plan and practice it with family members. |
| Electrical safety | Use light bulbs with the recommended wattage, install child precautions, and never use extension cords with heating units or air conditioning. |
| When to call an electrician | If you smell something burning, see smoke, or notice a discolored outlet. |
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What You'll Learn
Don't use water
Do not use water to put out an electrical fire. Water is a natural conductor of electricity, and if you throw water on an electrical fire, you can get shocked or electrocuted. Water would also allow the fire to spread quickly and ignite any highly flammable materials that may be close by.
If you have water on your body, such as wet hands, do not attempt to unplug an appliance that is on fire. Water fuels an electrical fire, and you could be electrocuted.
If the fire is small, you may be able to put it out by smothering it with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or salt. You can also smother a fire by removing the oxygen source with a fire blanket, thick, heavy clothing, or a heavy blanket.
If the fire is large, get out of the house immediately and call 911.
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Cut off the electricity
If you discover an electrical fire, your first priority should be to get yourself and any other people in the building to safety. If the fire is small and you feel you can handle it, cut off the electricity at the source. If the device causing the fire can be reached safely, unplug it from the power source. If the plug is out of reach, go to your breaker box and turn off the electricity to that room, or to the whole property if necessary.
Cutting off the electricity will not only reduce the risk of the fire spreading, but it will also reduce the risk of electrical shocks. Once the electricity is off, you can use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. If you don't have a fire extinguisher, you can use baking soda to smother the fire and block its oxygen supply. You can also use a fire blanket, or a thick, non-flammable piece of fabric or clothing.
If the fire has spread, or if you are unable to cut off the electricity, you should evacuate the building and call the fire department. It is recommended that you have your property's electricity checked by a licensed electrician to ensure it is safe. You can also take preventative measures, such as installing smoke detectors and creating an evacuation plan, to reduce the risk of electrical fires.
It is important to act quickly and appropriately when faced with an electrical fire. Educating yourself on how to respond can help to keep you and your family safe.
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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 is safe to do so, unplug the device or switch off the circuit breaker. This swift action starves the fire of its energy source, curbing its spread and intensity. If the fire is manageable and you have access to a fire extinguisher, it's time to take action.
Firstly, check that your fire extinguisher is appropriate for electrical fires. Electrical fires are a Class C fire, so your extinguisher must have a C rating. 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 your fire extinguisher doesn't have the Class C or ABC marking, the fluid inside may act as a conductor, creating an electrocution hazard.
If you have a C-rated fire extinguisher, you can use the PASS technique:
- Pull the pin: Pull the silver safety pin on the handle of the extinguisher.
- Aim: Position the nozzle of the extinguisher at the fire.
- Squeeze: Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher slowly.
- Sweep: Move the nozzle from left to right, making sure to get every part of the fire.
CO2 and dry chemical extinguishers are suitable for electrical fires. These extinguishers use non-conductive agents to tackle the unique challenges of electrically energised equipment, ensuring you can fight the fire without becoming a victim of electric shock.
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Smother with baking soda
If you discover a small electrical fire, stay calm and remember that water is not a solution. Water conducts electricity and can cause electrocution and shock, as well as make the fire spread more quickly.
One option to extinguish a small electrical fire is to use baking soda, which contains sodium bicarbonate, a chemical also found in Class C fire extinguishers. The baking soda will remove the fire's oxygen supply and smother the flames.
To put out the fire with baking soda, start by cutting the power at the breaker box. Then, quickly pour a generous amount of baking soda onto the source of the fire. Make sure to avoid touching the appliance or affected objects while doing so.
It is important to note that this method is only suitable for small fires. If the fire is large or you are unsure, evacuate the area immediately and call emergency services. Do not attempt to fight the fire if you cannot turn off the electricity to the affected area.
Additionally, be cautious not to confuse baking soda with baking powder, as the latter is highly flammable and can cause explosive reactions.
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Call the fire department
If you are unable to extinguish the electrical fire, the best thing to do is to call the fire department. You and your family members need to leave as soon as possible to prevent injury or loss of life. Do not try to be a hero. Close the doors as you leave to contain the fire. Call 911 as soon as you are a safe distance away from the fire.
If the fire started on an appliance attached to the wall, ceiling, or floor, call the fire department as the fire may also be burning or smouldering inside the building where you can't see it.
If you have any doubt about your ability to put out the fire or if it has spread, call the fire department immediately. They can be a major life threat and must be treated accordingly. Once you have called for help, you should evacuate the area immediately. Do not re-enter your home until the fire has been contained and firefighters have told you it is safe to do so.
If you are unable to put the fire out, leave the room and then leave the house. As you leave, make sure you close the doors to the room the fire is in, plus the house door, to help keep the fire contained as much as possible.
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