Putting Out Small Fires

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

Be sure your fire extinguisher is up to code.

Small house fires can be different depending on the type. For example; fires from cooking, electrical outlets or even some fireplace fires and camp fires can be put out by you but in different ways. Here is how you can manage a small fire in your home, office or anywhere while the fire department is on its way.

Cooking and Gas

Cooking or gas fires can be stopped by placing a lid over the pot or stove top to stop the oxygen from reaching the fire. If there is gas involved quickly turn off the gas supply to stop the spread of the fire. Having fire blankets is also a great way to smother the situation.

Electrical Fires

Misused or worn electrical outlets, electrical cords, and even heavily used appliances can cause electrical fires. Baking soda is great to put out an electrical fire. For example, a worn or frayed electrical cord that has sparked into a flame, pouring baking soda should smother out the fire. Be careful with this as the wire could still be live. Make sure to turn off the breaker as soon as possible. Additionally, fires caused by appliances like a stove or other large appliance should be put out with at least a class c extinguisher. It’s important that you never use water on an electrical fire. The result would be shocking! Since water is a conductor for electricity any water used on an electrical fire could backfire back to you.

Fireplace fires

A nice warm fire in the fireplace is usually something you love to cozy up to especially this winter! They’re usually contained and emit a wonderful glow, however, if you no longer need the fire make sure you put it out before leaving or going to bed. This goes for camp grounds and home fireplaces. Make sure you rake the coals or wood and sprinkle them with sand, flour or baking soda. This smothers the flames by taking away the oxygen.

If a small fire occurs in your home, office, or other building, call your local SERVPRO of South Madison County at (256) 533-5335. SERVPRO of South Madison County has certified professional who know how to remove smoke damage and make the area affected by the fire look “Like it never even happened.”