Electrical fires can happen more often than you think. In fact, they’re the third leading cause of structure fires. They also account for 51,000 fires yearly, over 1,400 injuries, about 500 deaths, and $1.3 billion in property damage, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation. 

Knowing how to put out electrical fires is crucial for anyone who uses electrical appliances and devices. In this post, we’ll talk about how to put out electrical fires. 

How to Put Out Electrical Fires in 3 Steps

While regular fires are dangerous enough, electrical fires come with extra risks. Here’s how to put out an electrical fire before it gets out of hand:

Turn Off the Power Supply

First things first, cut the electricity off if possible. Unplug the device, appliance, or machine immediately. If the fire has spread, disconnect the electricity from the area or your whole house if you can.

Cutting off the electricity first stops the source of the fire and reduces the risk of electrocution.

Never Use Water

Never use water to put out an electrical fire. It might seem fine, but water conducts electricity.

Since water conducts electricity, it can shock you. Plus, it can make the fire spread quickly by igniting nearby fire hazards like paper, curtains, and rags. 

Use the Right Tools

A traditional class C fire extinguisher can work, but there are better options if you want to save your devices, appliances, or machines. 

The Emergency Fire Blanket, Vapor Clean Fire Spray, and Dry Stop Fire Spray are great choices because they’re lightweight, non-toxic, and eco-friendly. They also don’t leave a mess and won’t ruin your devices, appliances, or machines. 

The Emergency Fire Blanket smothers the fire by cutting off the oxygen supply, while the Vapor Clean or Dry Stop Fire Spray deals with the fuel source. They’re also easy to use. Just place the blanket over the fire and wait for the flames to die. If you use the Vapor Clean or Dry Stop Fire Spray, simply point it at the base of the fire and spray until it’s out.

Then, monitor the area to ensure the fire doesn’t reignite. If it does, repeat the steps or call 911. Once the fire is completely out, call a certified electrician to inspect and fix any electrical damage.

Conclusion

Knowing how to put out an electrical fire is crucial to keeping your loved ones safe. Always start by turning off the power if you can, and never use water. Instead, use the right tools.