In general, firefighters will be better equipped to fight a fire that has live electricity in the mix than you will be. Tell the person you talk to that you are dealing with an electrical fire, so that the firefighters know what they are getting into. Even if a fire is small, calling the fire department will ensure that if the fire grows, you will have help on the way.
Having 2 escape routes allows you to fight the fire until it is out or until 1 of the escape routes is blocked by fire or debris. Once 1 of the 2 is blocked, it is time to evacuate. Escape routes typically include doors and windows that you can easily pass through to the outside. A window that is many stories above the ground would not be a great escape route, while a first-floor window would.
Close doors behind you as you leave. This will help keep the fire as contained as possible.
Unplugging an appliance that is on fire will reduce the risk of the fire spreading beyond the appliance. Many electrical fires start at overloaded appliances. For instance, if there is a short in your toaster, it can produce enough heat to start a fire. Another example is when too many Christmas lights are plugged into each other, it can create enough heat to start a fire.
If you cannot get to a location to shut off the power safely, don’t attempt it. It is better to stay safe and fight the fire with the power on than to risk getting burned or electrocuted trying to turn the power off.
If you have an appliance fire where the appliance can’t be unplugged, go turn off the power at the breaker box. Whatever you can do safely to remove the electricity from the situation, do it.
If you are unsure whether a fire has been caused by live electricity or something else, err on the side of caution and don’t use water.
Do not use flammable items to smother an electrical fire, such as a blanket. With live electricity involved, flammable items you use could easily start burning.
Many fire extinguishers made for home use are ABC extinguishers. Other types of extinguishers could create an electrocution hazard if used on an electrical fire because they contain liquids or chemicals that conduct electricity.
P - PULL the silver safety pin on the handle of the extinguisher. A - AIM the hose and nozzle of the extinguisher at the fire. S - SQUEEZE the handle of the fire extinguisher slowly. S - SWEEP from left to right, making sure to get every part of the fire.
Water on an electrified fire can create an electrocution hazard, in addition to the fire hazard. If the fuel for the fire you are fighting is kerosene, oil, or another liquid fuel, be careful putting water on it. The water can pick up the fuel and move it to another area where it can then ignite and spread the fire.
