How to Put Out an Electrical Fire

Electricity is a crucial part of our daily lives, powering everything from our homes to our workplaces. But with great power comes great responsibility, and electrical fires can be dangerous if not dealt with quickly. Knowing how to put out an electrical fire is crucial for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe and preventing significant damage to your property.

To help you prepare, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to safely and effectively put out an electrical fire, along with some helpful safety precautions. And if you are dealing with the aftermath of an electrical fire, contact our team at JMK Restoration to help restore your home or office to like new.

What Causes Electrical Fires?

Electrical fires occur when there is a fault in the electrical system, such as a short circuit, overloaded circuits, or faulty electrical equipment. When electricity flows through a circuit, it generates heat, and if the current becomes too strong, it can cause the wiring to melt or ignite. Once a fire starts, it can spread rapidly, and the intense heat generated by the flames can cause significant damage to property and put lives in danger.

Safety Precautions Before Attempting to Put Out an Electrical Fire

Before attempting to put out an electrical fire, safety should be your top priority.

Here are some safety precautions you should follow:

• Turn off the power — If the fire has not spread to other parts of the property, you can turn off the main electrical switch to cut off the power supply. If the fire has spread, evacuate the building immediately and call the fire department.
• Wear protective gear — Protective gear, such as gloves and safety goggles, should be worn to protect yourself from electrical shocks and other hazards. Do not attempt to put out the fire without wearing proper protective gear.
• Use the right extinguisher — Water is not effective for electrical fires as it conducts electricity and can spread the fire. Use a Class C fire extinguisher that is designed specifically for electrical fires. Using the wrong extinguisher can make an electrical fire worse.

Safety should always be your top priority when dealing with an electrical fire. Following these safety precautions can ensure your safety and prevent further damage from an electrical fire.

How to Put Out an Electrical Fire

Now that you understand the safety precautions, let’s discuss how to put out an electrical fire. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Unplug the device or turn off the power source — This will help stop the flow of electricity and prevent further damage.
2. Use a fire extinguisher — If the fire is small, use a Class C fire extinguisher to put it out. This type of extinguisher is designed for electrical fires and uses a non-conductive extinguishing agent to smother the fire.
3. Use a fire blanket — If the fire is larger, use a fire blanket to smother the flames. A fire blanket is made of fire-resistant materials and can extinguish the fire by depriving it of oxygen.
4. Use baking soda or salt — Baking soda or salt can also be used to put out an electrical fire. Sprinkle a generous amount over the flames to extinguish them. These substances work by smothering the fire and depriving it of oxygen.
5. Call for professional help — If the fire is too big to handle or you are unsure what to do, call for professional help. Professional firefighters are trained to handle electrical fires safely and can help prevent further damage.

What NOT to Do When Putting Out an Electrical Fire

When dealing with an electrical fire, there are several things you should not do:

• Do not use water — Water conducts electricity and can cause electrocution. Do not attempt to put out an electrical fire with water.
• Do not use a wet cloth — Using a wet cloth or towel to put out an electrical fire is dangerous. The cloth can conduct electricity and electrocute you.
• Do not attempt to put out a large fire — If the fire has spread or is too large to put out with a fire extinguisher, evacuate the building immediately and call the fire department.

Electrical fires can be deadly, and knowing how to put them out safely and efficiently is essential.

Get Help After an Electrical Fire With JMK Restoration

Dealing with the aftermath of an electrical fire can be overwhelming and stressful. If you need assistance, JMK Restoration is here to help. Our team of experts has the experience and knowledge to handle fire damage restoration, including electrical fires.

We offer comprehensive fire damage restoration services that include assessing the damage, cleaning up the debris, repairing the property, and restoring it to its original condition. Our team is available 24/7 and can respond to emergencies quickly.

Contact us today to learn more about our fire damage restoration services and how we can help you get back on your feet after an electrical fire.