Some blogs are helpful. Some blogs are interesting. But this one? This one could save your home – and the lives of the people you love most. Because we’re going to tell you exactly how to put out an electrical fire. Most households will face small electrical faults from time to time – but when those faults escalate into an electrical fire, the danger level changes instantly. Knowing how to put out an electrical fire safely is essential for every Queensland household, especially with how many power boards, appliances, chargers, and high-load devices modern homes rely on these days. Below, we’ll explain:
- Exactly what an electrical fire is
- How it differs from other types of fires
- What makes it uniquely dangerous
- And the precise steps you can follow in a real emergency.
Let’s dive straight into this super-important topic of the day.
What exactly is an electrical fire?
It’s pretty simple – an electrical fire starts when electricity ignites a surrounding material. That ignition can be caused by:
- Faulty appliances
- Damaged wiring
- Overloaded power boards
- Old switchboards
- Loose or shorting outlets
- Heat buildup from poor ventilation
- Extension cords that exceed their load.
But unlike typical fires, water must NEVER be used. And we all know basically why – because electricity travels through water, a single splash in the midst of panic can electrocute you or make the blaze explode outwards. This is why so many people freeze – they know the danger of electrical fires, but not the steps.
Why are electrical fires so dangerous
Electrical fires tend to escalate very quickly for a few reasons:
- They’re hard to see at first as they’re often hidden behind walls, inside appliances, or inside outlets.
- Electricity keeps feeding the heat, so the fire continues even if the surface flames appear small.
- Wrong suppression methods can make them instantly worse, including water or kitchen extinguishers.
- Toxic smoke from burning plastic and wiring spreads fast.
Knowing exactly how to respond buys you time – and time is everything when it comes to fire (especially electrical fires!)
How to put out an electrical fire: 8 Life-saving steps
We’ve put together a practical guide you can actually remember in an emergency – we just hope you’ll never need it!
1. Cut the power if you can
If you can safely reach the switchboard, turn off the main power immediately. This step alone prevents the fire from feeding itself further. (If the fire is already too large, skip this and get out of there.)
2. Step back from the source
People often lean closer trying to see what’s burning – don’t. Take two steps back and stay clear of smoke or heat.
3. Use the correct equipment only
This is where many people panic. If you know how to put out an electrical fire without an extinguisher, you avoid the deadly mistake of grabbing water or the wrong aerosol. Safe options include:
- A Class C / electrical fire extinguisher (often labelled as dry chemical or CO2).
- A fire blanket, only if the fire is small and contained.
- Turning off the power and letting the fire self-extinguish if it is very small and the area is safe.
If you don’t have the right equipment – evacuate immediately.
4. For outlet fires, don’t touch the appliance
In an emergency moment, lots of people try to pull a sparking device from the wall. If you’re wondering how to put out an electrical outlet fire and that’s your instinct, the safest action is:
- Turn off the electricity at the switchboard.
- Use a CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher.
- Never yank or handle the appliance while it’s live.
Remember – even unplugged appliances may still be dangerously hot.
5. If you have no extinguisher – Block oxygen
Knowing how to put out an electrical fire without an extinguisher may just save your life. If the fire is small:
- Turn off the power.
- Smother gently with a fire blanket or thick cotton towel (never a wet one).
- Back away if flames increase – smothering only works on small, early-stage fires.
6. Evacuate early, not late
The biggest mistake people make is trying to fight a fire that’s already too big. If you’re even remotely unsure, leave the home and shut the door behind you to slow the oxygen supply.
7. Call 000
From a safe location, call emergency services. Even if the fire is out, smouldering wiring can reignite.
8. Never re-energise the circuit
After any fire – even a tiny one – do not turn the electricity back on. Why? Because damaged cables can arc instantly. Call a licensed electrician to inspect, repair, and certify the system as safe.
Why electrical fires start in the first place
Here at Static Electrics, with our 40-plus years of experience, you can imagine that we’ve seen and heard quite a few stories about electrical fires over the decades! In our experience, this is what we’ve seen as the culprits and hazards:
- Overheated chargers
- Blocked ventilation around appliances
- Old ceramic fuses
- Loose wiring inside outlets
- Dust buildup in power boards
- Cracked or frayed cords
- Overloaded circuits
- Ageing switchboards
Think of most of these as silent warning signs long before a fire starts.
How to prevent electrical fires in your home
Understanding how to put out electrical fire situations is essential – but preventing them is arguably even more important. If your outlets are sparking, your switchboard is outdated, or your appliances are tripping circuits, have them inspected urgently. Here’s what else you can do:
- Replace old power boards.
- Never overload multi-outlet adaptors.
- Keep appliances dust-free and ventilated.
- Replace cords at the first sign of wear.
- Schedule regular switchboard checks.
- Upgrade from ageing fuses to modern safety switches.
- Install smoke alarms near bedrooms and hallways.
- Have a Class C or CO2 extinguisher in your home.
- Never run appliances on cramped shelves or cupboards.
- Get flickering lights or warm outlets assessed immediately.
Need more advice about electrical fires?
For peace of mind and a safer home, book one of our licensed electricians today. Static Electrics provides expert electrical inspections, repairs and upgrades across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast – and we’re only ever a phone call away.
