Unit 2, 1 Annan Business Park, Annan DG12 6TZ
Unit 2, 1 Annan Business Park, Annan DG12 6TZ
Electrical fires can be terrifying, and with good reason. They often happen suddenly, without warning, and spread fast if not handled correctly.
Electrical fires can be terrifying, and with good reason. They often happen suddenly, without warning, and spread fast if not handled correctly. But with a bit of know-how under your belt, you can stay calm, take action, and keep your home and loved ones safe.
At DRW Electrical Group, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly things can go wrong when electricity’s involved. That’s why we’ve put together this practical, straight-talking guide on how to safely put out an electrical fire, and how to help prevent one in the first place.
Let’s get one thing straight: electricity is a brilliant servant, but a terrible master. When it’s working properly, it powers all your electrical appliances and home comforts without a fuss. But the moment there's a fault, like overloaded sockets, dodgy wiring, or faulty appliances, it can become a serious danger.
Why is electricity a potential fire hazard, exactly? Because electrical faults can lead to overheating, sparks, and arcs, which easily ignite nearby materials. Fires can start inside walls, under floors, or in the back of appliances without you even realising until it’s too late. That's why maintenance and awareness are absolutely key, and here at DRW, we're here to help.
Before we talk about how to put one out, let’s cover what causes an electrical fire. Here are the usual suspects:
- Overloaded sockets and extension leads
- Old or damaged wiring
- Faulty or overheating appliances
- Poor DIY electrics
- Portable heaters left too close to curtains or furniture
- Running appliances unattended (like tumble dryers)
Prevention is your best defence. Keep things serviced and safe - and don’t ignore the smell of burning plastic or flickering lights! Regular checks of your domestic electrics with a qualified electrician can ensure that all of your faulty electricals are pointed out and fixed ASAP.
Alright, so the worst has happened - a small electrical fire has broken out. What now?
Here’s how to put out an electrical fire step-by-step:
If you can reach the fuse box or unplug the appliance without putting yourself at risk, do it. This cuts off the source of electricity and gives you a safer chance of tackling the fire.
Never put yourself in danger. If in doubt, get out and call 999.
We repeat: do not throw water on an electrical fire. Water conducts electricity, which could lead to a nasty shock or even make the fire worse. It’s one of the biggest mistakes people make in the panic. If there's anything that you take from this article - it's this point!
A carbon dioxide (CO₂) extinguisher is your best bet. It cools the fire and cuts off oxygen without leaving residue that can damage your electrics. If you’ve got one nearby and you're confident using it, now’s the time.
If you're unsure, leave it to the professionals.
If the fire is small and contained (like in a plug socket or toaster), you might be able to smother it with baking soda or a fire blanket. Just be careful not to fan the flames, and again, only if it’s safe.
If the fire spreads or you can’t control it straight away, evacuate. Shut the door behind you to contain the fire and call emergency services. No possessions are worth risking your life for.
Once the fire’s out and everyone’s safe, it’s time to think about recovery:
- Don’t use any affected appliances until they’ve been checked by a qualified electrician. You can call an emergency electrician, like DRW, to get your appliances checked quickly and safely.
- Get your entire electrical system inspected if the fire spreads beyond a single appliance.
- Take the incident as a sign to review your fire safety setup: smoke alarms, fire blankets, CO₂ extinguishers - all essentials in any home. It may seem excessive, but you can never be too safe.
The best solution? Don’t give a fire the chance to start.
- Never overload sockets or extension leads
- Use appliances according to manufacturer guidelines
- Turn things off when you're not using them — especially overnight
- Avoid DIY electrics unless you’re qualified
- Get regular checks on older wiring and fuse boards
- Don’t ignore burning smells or buzzing sockets
And of course, don’t forget the basics: install smoke alarms and test them regularly. If you’ve got little ones or elderly relatives in the home, it’s worth practising a fire escape plan too.
Electrical fires are scary, but with the right prep, they’re also preventable. At DRW Electrical Group, we take safety seriously, and we're here to help when things go wrong.
If you've had a scare, or you're concerned about the condition of your electrics, give us a call. Our emergency electrician services cover Dumfries and Galloway, the Borders, and Cumbria - and we don’t mess about when it comes to your safety.
Whether you need a full inspection after a residual current device tripped, want advice on fire-proofing your home, or just want peace of mind with your electrics, we're just a phone call away.
Stay safe, look after your home, and remember - electricity deserves respect.
At DRW Electrical Services, we bring over 25 years of expertise to every project, ensuring top-notch solutions across a wide range of electrical services. From cutting-edge renewable energy systems to comprehensive commercial and domestic electrical installations, our team of specialists is here to meet all your needs.
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