The best way to stop any full blown fire is to smother, or extinguish it in its initial stages. But what you do depends on what type of fire it is.
Step 1
General rule: If a fire has taken hold, (spread to other areas or structures or the smoke has is at head height), all occupants of that building must be evacuated. Note to all: Do not fight a fire not worth fighting, evacuate the building, personal safety comes first.
Step 2
Electrical Fires: The first thing you must do to stop or smother a electrical fault or short circuit fire is to:
Step 3
Turn off all power to the fire, usually done by turning off the main power. This step alone is usually enough to stop most fires in the initial stages.
Step 4
Use a safety blanket to smother the fire (Remember: If you do not turn off the power supply, electric shock is likely to occur.). Not only is this very effective in the early stages but does not damage surrounding area or objects.
Step 5
Use water (more than two liters at a time) to extinguish the fire, throw the water at the base or seat of the fire. This is also very effective, but not recommended due to the damage it may cause. It is only effective in the early stages of a fire.(Remember: If you do not turn off the main power supply, electric shock is likely to occur).
Step 6
The safest and the best way to extinguish a electrical fire is to use a fire extinguisher. Follow the instructions on it for more information. Note: During the initial stages of fire, once the fire is put out the surfaces that it has touched or burned are very hot and are likely to catch fire. You must have enough extinguishing material for at least 7 extinguishing attempts. E.G. 6Kg dry powder fire extinguisher. (Remember: If you do not turn of the mains power supply, electric shock is likely to occur.)
Step 7
General rule: Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base or seat of a fire for most effective extinguishing of fire.
Step 8
Liquid fires: the first thing you must do to stop a liquid fire (e.g gasoline, petrol) is to:
Step 9
Never throw water on a liquid fire. This is due to water and oils properties. If the water is thrown on the fire, the following will occur.
Step 10
Water does not mix with the oil, and thus goes underneath it (oil and water don't mix, when they are together oil is on top water on bottom). It will then boil and become steam very quickly this quick boil is dangerous . Since the water is on the bottom of the oil, as it evaporates it sprays hot, burning oil in every direction. This then spreads the fire and usually leaves you unconscious.
Step 11
To stop a liquid fire you must:
Step 12
Use a safety blanket and smother the fire, this is particularly useful at home. Use this only if the fire is small enough for you to cover.
Step 13
Use a fire extinguisher. Remember to read the instructions very carefully. If the extinguisher instructs you to not use it on a liquid or chemical fire, do not use it. Call the fire brigade and evacuate the building.
Step 14
Organic fires: The easiest fires to stop an organic fire in its initial stages (e.g. wood, paper) is to:
Step 15
Use lots of water to smother the fire. This is the best and quickest solution in the early stages.
Step 16
Use a safety blanket to smother the fire in its early stages. Remember cover the fire completely and wait ten minutes.
Step 17
Use a fire extinguisher, most will work on organic fires. Never forget to read the instructions on the extinguisher. Follow them to the letter.
Gas fires must always be carried out by the fire brigade. If you smell gas or see a dangerous situation involving flammable gas, or any gas for that matter contact the fire brigade immediately, and evacuate to a safe distance.
Warnings
- Fires are dangerous phenomenon do not fight a fire that is out of hand, and not worth fighting for. Your life comes first. Evacuate if the fire has spread and there is a low chance of extinguishing it by normal means and do not take the time to gather any belongings. Speed is essential.
- Use information on this page at your own risk. The author takes no responsibility for any actions taken in reference to this article.
Things You'll Need
- Water: Which is able to be accessed quickly
- Safety blanket: A fiber cloth blanket which can be bought in many stores around the world to smother a fire.
- A fire extinguisher: Remember: only use a fire extinguisher on a fire if it is meant for it, if the instructions say that the extinguisher is not suitable for other types of fires, do not use it on other fires.
