How to Put Out an Electrical Fire at Home

5/29/2019 (Permalink)

Know the dangers of an electrical fire

An electrical fire in the home is often a more immediate danger than a wildfire and may lead to panic. The first thing to remember is that you need to stay calm. Then, follow these steps to put out an electrical fire at home.

Step One: Call the Fire Department

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises that, in the event of a fire, the first thing a homeowner should do is call the fire department.

Yes, you can put out small fires by yourself, but there’s always a chance that you will fail. If you do, you want the fire department to already be on the way, so that they can put out the fire as quickly as possible.

In fact, even if you have put out an electrical fire, there is always a chance it could re-ignite. When they arrive, the firefighters will ensure that the fire is truly out and that your home is safe.

Step Two: Assess Safety

You’ve called 911, and the fire is still raging, so take a split second to gauge your safety and your family member’s safety. If a child, senior, or someone with mobility issues is nearby the fire, evacuate them first.

Then consider if it is safe to fight the fire. According to FEMA, you need to ensure that:

• The fire is contained and still small
• You are not at risk to inhale smoke
• You have a way to escape the fire if you fail
• Your instincts tell you its okay

If you are panicking, you will not make the best decisions for your safety. It’s okay to recognize that the fire is more than you can handle, just evacuate.

Step Three: Use a Fire Extinguisher

You have to use a “C” rated fire extinguisher on electrical fires—remember C stands for “current.” Extinguishers are often rated for multiple types of fires, so an ABC extinguisher is perfect. If you have one:

• Pull the pin off
• Aim the nozzle at the bottom of the fire
• Squeeze the extinguisher’s lever
• Sweep the extinguisher back and forth across the base of the fire

What if You Don’t Have a Fire Extinguisher?

Fighting an electrical fire without a fire extinguisher is particularly dangerous because we reach for water instinctively to put out fires, but water will make an electrical fire more dangerous. If you try to use water, you may even electrocute yourself.

Instead, you first need to turn off the power to the electrical outlet or device that is on fire. It may not be safe to do this without a fire fighter’s equipment. But, if you are certain it is safe, you may flip the main breaker in the electrical outlet (it’s a larger breaker) which cuts power to the whole house.

Once the power has been cut off, the fire can be doused like a normal fire, with water or an “A” rated fire extinguisher.

If your home has been damaged by an electrical fire, all you need to do is make a single call to SERVPRO of Salem/Peabody/Marblehead. We file the claim with your insurance carrier, handle damage removal, fix damage including from smoke, clean the debris, and fully restore your home. Contact us today at 978.744.4545, we are available 24/7 to help.