When a fire starts in its early stages, it may still be small enough that you can extinguish it with thick blankets or any available fire extinguisher. With preparation and quick action to determine the type of fire you are dealing with, you have a better chance of not only fighting the fire but also doing so without risking injury. However, remember that the safety of everyone around you--including you--is a priority. If the fire spreads rapidly, produces increasingly dense and dangerous smoke, or takes more than five seconds to be extinguished with a fire extinguisher, you should set the fire alarm, evacuate the building, and call 113.
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Method 1 of 3: Extinguishing an Electrical Fire
Step 1. Turn it off before it happens
The majority of electrical fires stem from faulty electrical installation systems or poor electrical system maintenance. To stop electrical fires before they occur, do not overload the power plug and ensure that all electrical work is carried out according to regulations by an authorized and licensed electrician.
- Also, keep the electrical system clean of dust, debris and cobwebs, as they can also cause fires.
- You should also use circuit breakers and fuses as often as possible. This is an easy step to prevent power surges from causing a fire.
Step 2. Turn off the power to the electrical system
If the electrical system starts to spark or a fire starts in the wiring, electrical devices or plugs, then cutting off power to the electrical system is the first and best course of action. If the source is just a spark or the fire hasn't spread at all, this step alone may be enough to extinguish it.
- You should cut off the power at the breaker instead of turning off the wall outlet that is plugged into the plug.
- If the problem stems from the wiring or electrical device, don't just pull the cord on the device. Electrical problems that occur also have the potential to create a short circuit.
Step 3. Use a Class C fire extinguisher if you cannot cut power at the source
The type of fire extinguisher that is acceptable in this situation depends entirely on whether or not you are able to cut off the power at the source. If you don't know where the breaker box is, it's locked, or it's been too long to access, use a Class C fire extinguisher immediately. Class C fire extinguishers are usually carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical based, and are specifically labeled "Class C" on the tube.
- To use a fire extinguisher, pull the pin that is preventing you from pressing the handle, point the funnel at the center of the fire, then press and hold the handle. As you see the fire shrinking, approach the source and continue spraying until the fire is completely extinguished.
- If you can't put out the fire in five seconds with a fire extinguisher, the fire is too big. Evacuate to a safe place immediately and call 113.
- Since the faulty wiring system is still receiving power in this case, the fire can re-ignite. You should still cut the power at the source as soon as possible.
- You should use a Class C fire extinguisher as they contain non-conductive materials or do not conduct electricity. Class A fire extinguishers contain only high pressure water, which obviously conducts electricity and puts you at risk of electric shock.
- Another way to identify CO2-based and dry chemical fire extinguishers is by their content, which is generally red (the one with water is silver). The CO2-based fire extinguisher also has a funnel that is tougher at the end than just a hose, and it doesn't have a pressure gauge either.
Step 4. Use a Class A or dry chemical fire extinguisher if you manage to cut off the power
If you are able to completely cut off the power at the source, you have successfully converted a Class C electric fire to a Class A. In this case, you can use a water-based Class A fire extinguisher in addition to the other class fire extinguishers already mentioned.
Class A and multipurpose dry chemical based fire extinguishers are highly recommended in this scenario because CO2 fire extinguishers are at a higher risk of igniting and rekindling the fire, once the CO2 wears off. CO2-based fire extinguishers also cause breathing problems in confined spaces such as inside homes or small offices
Step 5. Use a thick fireproof blanket to extinguish
Alternatively, you can also use a fireproof blanket to extinguish it, but this step only applies if you are able to completely turn off the power at the source. While wool (generally fireproof blankets made of chemically treated wool) are good electrical insulators, you should still not get too close to a source and risk electrocution if the power is on.
- To use a fireproof blanket, remove it from the package, hold the blanket folded in front of you with both hands and body covered by the blanket, then sweep it over low heat. DO NOT throw blankets in the fire.
- This technique is not only very effective in the early stages of a fire but also does not damage objects or the surrounding area.
Step 6. Use water to extinguish the fire
If you don't have an extinguisher of any kind or a fire blanket, use water. However, use water ONLY when you have 100% turned off the power source. Otherwise, you not only risk electrocution, but also spread the short circuit more widely, which will also spread the fire faster. Sprinkle water on the base or source of the fire.
A splash of water as fast as you can get it from the faucet will only be effective if the fire is very low and under control. Otherwise, it will spread faster than you can extinguish it
Step 7. Call 113
Even if the fire is extinguished, you should still call 113. Burning objects can rekindle, and only a professional firefighter can completely isolate and eliminate all risks.
Method 2 of 3: Extinguishing Liquid/Oil Fires
Step 1. Turn off the oil/fuel flow
In any applicable situation, the first thing you should do in the event of a fire involving a flammable liquid is to shut off the fuel flow. For example, if there is a static discharge igniting gasoline in the vicinity of the fuel pump, the first thing to do is to press the emergency shut-off valve nearby and is common at all gas stations. This action prevents the small fire from gaining access to the giant fuel around it.
Generally, if flammable liquids are the only source of fuel in a fire, the fire will self-extinguish once fuel flow is cut off
Step 2. Use a fireproof blanket to extinguish
You can also use fireproof blankets to fight small Class B fires. If such blankets are available, they will be the easiest and least destructive way to extinguish fires.
- To use a fireproof blanket, remove it from the package, hold the blanket folded in front of you with both hands and body covered by the blanket, then sweep it over low heat. DO NOT throw blankets in the fire.
- Make sure that the fire is not too big for the blanket to put out. The vegetable oil that ignites a frying pan, for example, is small enough to be extinguished with a fireproof blanket.
Step 3. Use a Class B fire extinguisher
As with electrical fires, water-based fire extinguishers (Class A) must not be used on liquid or oil fires. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and dry chemical based fire extinguishers count as Class B. Check the label on the extinguisher and make sure it says “Class B” before using it to extinguish liquid fires.
- To use a fire extinguisher, pull the pin that is preventing you from pressing the handle, point the funnel at the center of the fire, then press and hold the handle. As you see the fire shrinking, approach the source and continue spraying until the fire is completely extinguished.
- If you can't put out the fire in five seconds using a fire extinguisher, the fire is too big. Evacuate to a safe place immediately and call 113.
- The only exception to this rule is if the fire is caused by a flammable liquid originating from vegetable oil or animal fat in large grills and other restaurant equipment. The sheer size and extremes of heat and fuel source in these devices have earned them a separate classification of fire extinguishers, namely Class K fire extinguishers. All restaurants with this type of equipment are required by law to provide Class K fire extinguishers.
- DO NOT pour water on a fire caused by oil or flammable liquid. Water will not mix with oil. When they meet, the oil stays on top of the water, while the water boils and becomes a mist "very quickly". This rapid boiling of water is dangerous. Since the water is under the oil, it will splash hot oil everywhere as it boils and evaporates. This is what then spreads the fire very quickly.
Step 4. Call 113
Even if the fire is extinguished, you should still call 113. Burning objects can re-ignite, and only a professional firefighter can completely isolate and eliminate all risks.
Method 3 of 3: Extinguishing Organic Fires
Step 1. Use a fireproof blanket to put out the fire
If the fuel source of a fire is a flammable solid object – wood, cloth, paper, rubber, plastic, etc. – then the fire is classified as Class A. Anti-fire blankets are a quick and easy way to extinguish fires in the early stages of a Class A fire. The fireproof blanket removes oxygen from the fire, and thus eliminates the fire's ability to burn.
To use a fireproof blanket, remove it from the package, hold the blanket folded in front of you with both hands and body covered by the blanket, then sweep it over low heat. DO NOT throw blankets in the fire
Step 2. Use a Class A fire extinguisher to extinguish
If a fire blanket isn't available, just use a fire extinguisher to fight Class A fires. Make sure that the label on the canister says Class A.
- To use a fire extinguisher, aim at the base of the fire and sweep the spray back and forth until the fire is out.
- If you can't put out the fire in five seconds with a fire extinguisher, the fire is too big. Evacuate to a safe place immediately and call 113.
- The contents of a Class A fire extinguisher are always silver in color and there is a pressure gauge for water inside. However, many multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguishers are also classified for Class A fires.
- You may use a carbon dioxide (CO2) based fire extinguisher on Class A fires only if that is what is available, but it is not recommended. Class A combustibles tend to smolder for a long time, and fires can easily rekindle once the CO2 is depleted.
Step 3. Use plenty of water
Class A specific fire extinguishers are basically high pressure water cylinders, so you can also use a lot of water from the tap if that's all you have available. If the fire seems to be spreading faster than you can put it out-or if the fire is producing too much smoke to be extinguished safely-then you should evacuate immediately and call 113.
Step 4. Call 113
As with any type of fire, you should still call 113, even if you can actually extinguish the fire. The emergency response team will ensure that the fire will not rekindle.
Tips
- If you're using a fireproof blanket, make sure you keep the flames on for at least fifteen minutes or until all the heat is gone.
- Get to know the various types of fire extinguishers that are available in homes and offices. The sooner you get to the right type of fire extinguisher, the better your chances of extinguishing it in the early stages of a fire.
- Check the location of electrical breaker boxes in your home and office. In the event of an electrical fire, you should be able to reach this box as quickly as possible to turn off the power source.
- Always call 113, even if you manage to put out the fire.
- If you are cooking with oil in a frying pan and the oil is starting a fire, use baking soda to extinguish it.
Warning
- Any time you fail to put out a fire within the first five minutes of using a fire extinguisher, the fire is too big. The fire extinguisher will run out before you put out the fire. Evacuate to a safe place immediately and call 113.
- If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the area immediately, or if it is safe, turn off the gas and call 113 or your gas service representative as soon as possible. Do not use cell phones or cordless phones in the vicinity of gas leaks! Also, make sure not to turn on or off any electronic devices. Ventilate the entire building, if it is safe to do so, by opening all doors and windows. However, make sure to close all doors and windows if the leak is coming from outside the building. Natural gas is highly flammable and can fill a room very quickly. If ignited, the fire will explode and will never be small enough to be handled without the help of a professional firefighter.
- This article provides general guidelines for fighting very small fires in the early stages. Use the information in this article at your own risk and always use extreme caution in the face of fires and/or fires of any kind.
- Inhaling fire flames is also very dangerous. If the fire reaches a stage where there is a lot of smoke, evacuate immediately and call 113.
- "Protect your life first." Evacuate immediately if the fire spreads and there is little chance of extinguishing it by normal means. Don't waste time taking possessions. The speed with which you leave the location is critical to saving lives.
