Trystan Casey
Electrical fires can be extremely dangerous and cause significant damage, so it is important to know how to respond quickly and appropriately. If you are unable to extinguish the fire, the best thing to do is to evacuate the building and call the fire department. However, if you feel you can handle it, there are several methods you can use to put out a small electrical fire.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| If the fire is large | Get out, call 911 or the fire department |
| If the fire is small | Cut the power, use a fire extinguisher, baking soda, dirt, salt, or a fire blanket |
| If the fire is in an appliance | Unplug it, cut the power |
| If you are unsure how to put out the fire | Call the fire department |
| To prevent electrical fires | Have a licensed electrician check your property, install smoke detectors, practice good fire safety habits |
What You'll Learn
Cut the power supply
If you are experiencing an electrical fire, the first thing to do is to get out of the house. Do not try to be a hero. Once you and your family are out, do not go back inside to retrieve possessions. Call 911 as soon as you are a safe distance from the fire and inform them that it is an electrical fire.
If the fire is small and you want to try to put it out yourself, the first thing to do is to cut the power supply at the source. Do not touch the appliance or machine in the process. If it is safe to do so, unplug the appliance or machine from the power source. If the plug is out of reach, go to your breaker box and flip the breaker for that room, or cut the power to your entire home.
Cutting the power will not only reduce the risk of the fire spreading, but it will also reduce the risk of electrical shocks. Once you have cut the power supply, you can then use water to put out the fire, as no electricity can be conducted.
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Use a fire extinguisher
If you encounter an electrical fire, your first priority should be to disconnect the power source and evacuate the area. If it is safe to do so, you can then attempt to put out the fire using a fire extinguisher.
Only use a fire extinguisher that is rated for electrical fires. Electrical fires are classed as Class C fires, so your fire 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 does not have a C or ABC marking, the fluid inside may act as a conductor and create an electrocution hazard.
CO2 or dry chemical extinguishers are suitable for electrical fires as they do not pose an electrical hazard. Dry chemical extinguishers are particularly versatile as they can also be used on fires involving flammable liquids.
If you have a suitable extinguisher, follow the PASS technique:
- Pull the silver safety pin on the handle of the extinguisher.
- Aim the hose and nozzle of the extinguisher at 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 you are unable to extinguish the fire, evacuate the building and call emergency services.
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Smother with baking soda
If you discover a small electrical fire, do not panic. Stay calm and follow these steps to smother the fire with baking soda:
First, if it is safe to do so, disconnect the source of electricity. Unplug the appliance or turn off the power on your electrical panel. This will help to prevent the fire from spreading. If the fire is inside your breaker panel, get everyone out of the home, including pets, and call the fire department.
Next, locate a box of baking soda. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an effective way to extinguish small electrical fires. It is important to note that this method is only suitable for small fires. Do not confuse baking soda with baking powder, as baking powder is highly flammable.
Now, quickly pour or throw the baking soda onto the source of the fire. Aim for the base of the flame to smother the fire and cut off its oxygen supply. Use enough baking soda to completely cover the flames.
Finally, once the fire is out, clear the area of any smoke and allow the area to cool before resetting the breaker switch. Consult your local fire authorities about how long to wait before turning the breaker back on. Remember, prevention is the best way to protect yourself and your family from electrical fires, so always be cautious and aware of potential fire hazards.
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Remove the oxygen source
If you are dealing with an electrical fire, the first thing to do is to get out of the house. Call 911 immediately and make sure to tell them that you believe it is an electrical fire. Do not try to be a hero. If the fire is small and you want to put it out yourself, removing the oxygen source is a good way to do so.
If the fire is caused by an appliance, unplug it from the power source. If the plug is out of reach, go to your breaker box and cut the power from there. If you can safely reach the fire, you can try to smother it with a fire blanket, thick clothing, or a heavy blanket. Make sure the material you are using is not flammable, or it will catch fire and worsen the situation.
If you have a fire extinguisher, check that it is appropriate for electrical fires. Fire extinguishers for residential use are generally multi-purpose and labelled ABC fire extinguishers. If your fire extinguisher doesn't have the Class C or ABC marking, the fluid inside may conduct electricity, creating an electrocution hazard.
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Call the fire department
If you are unable to extinguish an electrical fire, the best course of action is to call the fire department. You should also call the fire department if you have any doubts about your ability to put out the fire, or if the fire has spread. Electrical fires can be extremely dangerous, and it is always better to be safe than sorry.
When calling the fire department, be sure to provide them with as much information as possible. Let them know that you have an electrical fire and give them your location. If possible, stay on the line with the dispatcher, who can provide you with instructions on how to stay safe until help arrives.
If you are unable to evacuate the building, move as far away from the fire as possible and close all doors to contain it. If there are other people in the building, make sure everyone is accounted for and safely out of the building. Do not try to be a hero and go back inside to rescue others—the firefighters are trained professionals who have the necessary skills and equipment to handle the situation.
In the event that you are unable to reach the fire department, or if you need to evacuate immediately, leave the building and go to a safe location. Once you are safely away from the fire, use a neighbour's phone or your mobile phone to call the fire department. Do not re-enter the building until the firefighters have arrived and told you it is safe to do so. Remember, your safety is the top priority.
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Frequently asked questions
If it's safe to do so, unplug the appliance or cut the electricity supply at the breaker box. Then, smother the fire with baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, or a fire blanket. You can also use a fire extinguisher, but make sure it's rated for electrical fires (Class C or ABC).
Water conducts electricity, so throwing water on an electrical fire can cause electric shock or electrocution. It can also cause the fire to spread more quickly and ignite nearby flammable materials.
If the fire has spread or you're unable to put it out, evacuate the building immediately and call 911. Do not try to fight the fire if you feel unsafe or unsure—it's better to be cautious and leave it to the professionals.
