How to Put Out an Electrical Fire?
Guidance from Your Trusted Local Experts at Mauro Electric Inc.
At Mauro Electric Inc., we have been a trusted provider of residential and commercial electrical services in Bothell and surrounding communities for over twenty five years. Under the leadership of Ricky, a licensed and highly experienced master electrician, we know that when it comes to fire safety, nothing should be left to chance. One of the most urgent and potentially dangerous emergencies people face in their homes or businesses is an electrical fire. In this blog, we aim to address a common and critical question: how to put out an electrical fire safely and effectively. Our goal is to inform you, guide you, and help you understand the importance of professional intervention when dealing with electrical hazards.
Understanding Electrical Fires
An electrical fire is different from other types of fires because it originates from electrical equipment, appliances, wiring faults, overloaded circuits, or faulty outlets. These fires often begin unnoticed and can spread quickly behind walls or within appliances. Common causes include worn wiring, malfunctioning circuit breakers, extension cords, or the misuse of electrical equipment.
Recognizing the signs of an electrical fire can help you act quickly. Typical clues are the smell of burning plastic, flickering lights, sparking outlets, or appliances emitting smoke. If you suspect a fire source is electrical in origin, your approach to handling it will differ dramatically from how you would address a kitchen or paper fire.
Immediate Steps When an Electrical Fire Starts
Your first and most important step is to avoid panic and assess the situation. Making safe decisions quickly can protect lives and property. If the fire is small and contained, you may have a chance to respond. If it is large or spreading, your focus should immediately shift to evacuating the premises and calling 911 for professional fire service help.
Never Use Water on Electrical Fires
It can be instinctual to reach for a bucket of water to put out a fire, but using water on an electrical fire greatly increases your risk of electrocution. Water conducts electricity, and attempting to put out an electrical fire this way can lead to serious injury or even death. Water should never be used on fires caused by live electrical equipment or outlets.
How to Put Out an Electrical Fire Safely
1.Turn Off the Power If Safe to Do So
If you can do it without putting yourself at risk, locate your main electrical panel and switch off the power. Cutting electricity to the affected area significantly reduces danger and can make the fire more manageable. Only attempt this if there is no immediate fire at the panel, and keep your own safety as the top priority.
2. Use the Correct Fire Extinguisher
Do not try to use a standard household extinguisher. Electrical fires require a Class C fire extinguisher, which is specifically designed for live electrical equipment. Always keep a Class C extinguisher accessible in your home or business, especially near areas with heavy electrical equipment such as breaker panels, server rooms, or major appliances.
To safely put out an electrical fire with an extinguisher, pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, and squeeze the handle in a controlled manner while sweeping from side to side until the fire is out. Remember to keep a safe distance and never put yourself in harm’s way.
3. Baking Soda Can Help With Small Fires
If the fire is very small, such as a minor flame from a toaster or power point, you can put it out by liberally covering it with baking soda. Baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate, which interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire and can smother small fires safely. Never use baking powder or flour because they can make the fire worse. This method is only for very minor incidents; for anything larger, always prioritize evacuation and safety.
Evacuate and Call Emergency Services
If an electrical fire becomes out of control, evacuate everyone from the building right away and call 911. Alert the fire service so they can respond quickly and effectively. Once you are safe outside, do not reenter the building until it has been cleared by professionals. Timely evacuation is vital to avoid injury from flames, smoke, or exposure to hazardous burning materials.
After the Fire: Inspection and Prevention
Once a fire has been extinguished and it is safe to return, it is essential to understand how and why it started. Preventing the next incident is just as important as handling the current one. Always call a licensed electrician like our professionals at Mauro Electric Inc. to inspect your wiring, outlets, and appliances. Our team can repair damage, identify faulty equipment, and upgrade your electrical system to current codes for greater fire safety.
Professional Maintenance Prevents Electrical Fires
The best way to reduce your fire risk is with regular electrical maintenance and inspections. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and aging circuit breakers are among the top causes of residential electrical fires. At Mauro Electric Inc., we specialize in diagnosing and resolving these hazards before they become a problem.
We offer whole-house safety inspections, breaker panel upgrades, and replacement of worn outlets and switches. We can also install dedicated circuits for high-power appliances, inspect power points for wear, and update your home’s grounding and bonding for the highest level of protection.
Why Trust Mauro Electric Inc.
Our decades of experience and neighborhood reputation mean that you can trust us to prioritize your safety. When it comes to handling or preventing an electrical fire, expert attention is the difference between risk and reassurance. We understand electricity, we respect the dangers, and we are devoted to protecting our community.
Conclusion
Knowing how to put out an electrical fire is essential knowledge for any homeowner or business owner. However, your best protection is awareness, preparation, and regular professional maintenance. Mauro Electric Inc. will always be there for you, whether you need emergency help with an electrical fire or want to take steps to prevent one from starting. Call us today to schedule a safety inspection or speak with our master electrician about keeping your property safe from electrical fires.
Stay safe and remember, when in doubt, trust your local experts at Mauro Electric Inc.
