A wide range of problems, including faulty wiring or overloading, can cause electrical fires.You should call emergency services if you see an electrical fire.If you think you can fight the fire safely, start by cutting off electricity and smothering the flames.Knowing how to put out an electrical fire effectively, including when to call in firefighters to do the job, could save not just your life, but also the life of your friends or family.
Step 1: You can call.
If you can't get the electricity turned off because of a fire, you should call the fire department.It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to a fire, even if you can get it out yourself.Firefighters are better equipped to fight a fire with live electricity than you will be.Tell the person you talk to that you are dealing with an electrical fire and that the firefighters know what they are getting into.If the fire grows, you will have help on the way, even if it's a small fire.
Step 2: Make sure you are able to leave.
It's important to know that you can get out of the area if there is a fire.It's reasonable to stay and fight the fire if you can see two paths to safety.The fire department should fight the fire if you only see one escape route.Staying safe is more important than getting trapped in a fire.It is possible to fight the fire until one of the escape routes is blocked by fire or debris.It is time to leave if one of the 2 is blocked.You can easily pass through doors and windows on escape routes.A first-floor window is a better escape route than a window that is many stories above the ground.
Step 3: If it's necessary, evacuate.
If at any time you begin to feel unsafe, an exit gets blocked, you get burned, or your fire-fighting techniques are not working, abandon your efforts and get out of the building.Your safety is more important than the things you own.As you leave, close the doors behind you.This will help keep the fire contained.
Step 4: Unplug appliances that are on fire.
If there is an electrical fire that starts in an appliance that plugs in, you should immediately remove it.You need to make sure that you can get to the wall sockets safely.Unplugging an appliance that is on fire will reduce the risk of the fire spreading.overloading appliances are to blame for many electrical fires.If there is a short in your toast, it can start a fire.Too many Christmas lights plugged into each other can cause a fire.
Step 5: The electricity needs to be turned off.
If there is an electrical fire in a wall or an appliance that you can't get to turn off, focus on getting the power turned off.You should kill the power if you can get to the electrical switch.You can fight the fire with a wider array of fire-fighting techniques if the power is disconnected.Don't attempt to shut off the power if you cannot get there safely.It's better to stay safe and fight the fire with the power on than it is to lose your life.
Step 6: The electrical connect is out of reach.
When a fire starts, electricity creates heat that will encourage the fire to continue.You have to be careful not to get shocked and the fire will be harder to fight because of electricity.Make sure there is no safe way to get to the electrical connection before you give up and fight the fire.If the appliance can't be unplugged, turn off the power at the breaker box.Whatever you can do to remove the electricity from the situation, do it.
Step 7: Water should never be used on an electrical fire.
The last thing you want to do is pour water on the fire if you can't turn off the electricity.In addition to the fire hazard, water will cause electricity to be generated.Don't use water if you're not sure if a fire is caused by live electricity or something else.
Step 8: Baking soda is used to extinguish a small fire.
Baking soda can be used if you can't connect an appliance or cord that is smoldering.The oxygen that the fire needs to keep burning will be blocked by this.Do not smother an electrical fire with a blanket.flammable items could easily start burning with live electricity involved.
Step 9: Only the class C or ABC fire extinguisher can be used.
There is a specific type of fire extinguisher you can use.A Class C fire is an electrical fire that requires a fire extinguisher.The fire extinguisher marked ABC is able to stop fires caused by wood/trash, liquids, and electrical equipment.ABC extinguishers are used for home use.If used on an electrical fire, other types of extinguishers could cause an electrocution if they contain liquids or chemicals.
Step 10: The fire extinguisher should be used properly.
It can be hard to remember how to use a fire extinguisher in an emergency.The silver safety pin on the handle of the extinguisher is what each letter stands for.At the fire, use the hose and nozzle of the extinguisher.Pull the handle of the fire extinguisher slowly.Make sure to get every part of the fire from left to right.
Step 11: The electricity should be disconnected when possible.
Once the fire is under control, you should be able to get to the electrical panel or outlet.The risk of electrocution is eliminated if the fire is not reignited by electricity.
Step 12: If you have one, use it.
If there is a fire extinguisher nearby, spray it on the fire if you turn off the electricity.It doesn't matter what kind of extinguisher you use, the fire has no live electricity around it.
Step 13: To smother the fire, use a fire blanket.
If you have a fire blanket, smother the fire if you don't have an extinguisher.The fire needs a lot of oxygen to keep going.A thick blanket can be used to put out a small fire.
Step 14: Use water to extinguish the fire.
Before you put water on a fire, you need to make sure the electricity is turned off.If you are certain, spray or dump water on the fire.The risk of the fire growing will be reduced by putting out active flames.Water on a fire can cause an electrical hazard.Water should not be put on the fuel for the fire if it is oil, kerosene, or another liquid fuel.The fuel can be picked up by the water and moved to another area where it can ignite and spread the fire.