Electrical Fires: Quick Action, Quick Fix

Electrical fires can be extremely dangerous and should be treated as a major life threat. If you are unable to extinguish the fire, the best course of action is to evacuate the building and call the fire department. If you feel that you can handle the fire yourself, there are several methods you can use to extinguish it, such as cutting off the power supply, using a fire extinguisher, or smothering the fire with baking soda or a fire blanket.

Cut the power supply

If you discover an electrical fire, the first thing to do is to cut off the power supply. This is because electrical fires are caused by electricity or an electrical fault, so removing the power source will help to stop the fire from spreading and reduce the risk of electrical shocks.

If the fire is small and contained to an appliance, the best thing to do is to unplug it from the power source. If the appliance is plugged into a power strip or extension cord, unplug the power strip or extension cord from the wall outlet. If the fire is coming from the wall outlet itself, do not touch the cords attached to the appliance. Instead, go to your breaker box and turn off the electricity supply to that room or area. If the fire has spread, you should disconnect the electricity from the entire property.

If you are unable to cut off the power supply, or if the fire is too large to be controlled, you should evacuate the building immediately and call the fire department. Do not try to fight the fire yourself if you are unsure or feel unsafe. It is always better to be cautious and leave it to the professionals.

To prevent electrical fires, it is important to have your electrical systems checked by a licensed electrician regularly. Outdated switchboards and wiring can pose a risk of sparking and should be replaced. Additionally, it is recommended to install smoke detectors in every room of your house and test them monthly to ensure they are working properly.

Use a fire extinguisher

If you are facing 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 will starve the fire of its energy source, curbing its spread and intensity. Once you have cut off the power source, you can use a fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames.

It is important to use the correct type of fire extinguisher. Electrical fires are a Class C fire, so you will need a C-rated extinguisher or one labelled ABC. You can also use a CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher. These extinguishers use non-conductive extinguishing agents, so you can fight the fire without the risk of electric shock.

If you have 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 left to right, making sure to get every part of the fire.

If the electrical fire is small, you can also use a fire blanket or baking soda to smother the flames.

Smother with baking soda

If you discover a small electrical fire, your first step should be to unplug the device or cut off the electricity supply at the breaker panel. If the fire is small and contained, you can then attempt to smother it with baking soda.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an effective way to extinguish small electrical fires because it removes the fire's oxygen supply. It is also used in some Class C fire extinguishers. To apply the baking soda, pour it directly from the container towards the source of the fire. Keep your hands at a safe distance to prevent burns, and do not touch the appliance or affected objects if the power is still on.

Do not confuse baking soda with baking powder. Baking soda is not flammable, while baking powder is highly flammable and can cause explosive reactions. If you have a fire extinguisher, check that it is in good working condition and has a Class C rating, or a multi-purpose extinguisher rated ABC, before using it on an electrical fire.

Remember, prevention is the best way to protect yourself and your family from electrical fires. Get an electrical safety inspection, avoid overloading outlets, use extension cords with caution, and maintain electrical devices and appliances to keep them in good working order.

If the fire is large or you are unsure what to do, evacuate the building, close the door behind you, and call the fire department immediately.

Call the fire department

If you are unable to extinguish an electrical fire using a fire extinguisher, baking soda, or a fire blanket, the best course of action is to call the fire department. Electrical fires can be extremely dangerous and pose a significant risk to people and property.

If you are experiencing an electrical fire, the first step is to get yourself and any family members out of the house as soon as possible. Do not try to be a hero—your life is more important than any possessions. Once you are a safe distance away from the fire, call 911 and be sure to inform them that you believe the fire is electrical in nature. It is also important to follow a pre-planned escape route to guide your family to safety and ensure everyone gets out safely.

While it may be tempting to try and put out the fire yourself, it is crucial to remember that electrical fires are connected to electrical systems, making them more complicated than your average house fire. If you are unable to cut the power source to the fire, it is best to leave it to the professionals. Firefighters have the necessary skills and equipment to swiftly and safely put out electrical fires.

In addition to calling the fire department, it is important to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of electrical fires in the first place. This includes regularly inspecting electrical components, ensuring all electrical equipment and appliances are in good working condition, and practicing good fire safety habits such as installing smoke detectors and developing an evacuation plan.

Remember, when it comes to electrical fires, your safety is the top priority. If you are ever in doubt about your ability to put out the fire, do not hesitate to call the fire department for help.

Remove the oxygen source

The first thing to remember when dealing with an electrical fire is to never use water to extinguish it. Water conducts electricity, and throwing water on an electrical fire will only cause it to spread. You could also get shocked or electrocuted.

If you are dealing with a small electrical fire, you can remove the oxygen source by smothering the flames with a fire blanket, thick clothing, or a heavy blanket. You can also use baking soda or sodium bicarbonate to smother the flames. However, it is important to only use this method for small fires. If the fire is large or you are unsure how to deal with it, evacuate the area immediately and call for help.

When smothering the fire, be careful not to wave or fan the flames, as this could make the situation worse. Place the blanket or clothing directly on the fire to cut off its oxygen supply. This method can be effective for small electrical fires, but it is important to act quickly.

If possible, you should also cut off the electricity to the source of the fire. If an appliance is the source, unplug it. If the plug is out of reach, you may need to shut off the electricity to your home completely by accessing your home's electrical panel.

Frequently asked questions