If you’re reading this because you’re trying to figure out how to stop an electrical fire, we certainly hope you’re not already in the midst of one! Electrical fires are one of those situations that you hope you never have to deal with:
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They’re incredibly unpredictable
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They escalate extremely quickly
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And most people aren’t 100% sure what the right response is.
That sort of uncertainty is dangerous in itself — which is what prompted us to put this quick and easy guide together. Because, in the moment, it’s so easy to do the wrong thing out of instinct — grab water, rush toward the flames, or hesitate for too long.
This guide is here to slow things down, explain what actually helps — and give you clear, practical steps you can follow when it matters most.
So take a deep breath, and let’s prepare for the worst.
Step 1: Pause For A Second And Assess The Situation
Before you rush in, take a moment to look at what’s actually happening.
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Is the fire small and contained?
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Is it already spreading?
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Is there heavy smoke, sparks, or flames climbing walls or ceilings?
If the fire is large, growing, or filling the space with smoke, do NOT try to fight it. Get everyone out immediately and call emergency services. No property or appliance is worth the risk.
Step 2: Cut The Power — But Only If You Can Do It Safely
If the fire is small and you can reach the switchboard without passing through flames or smoke, turning off the electricity is one of the most important actions you can take. Cutting the power removes the energy source feeding the fire and reduces the risk of electric shock.
If you can’t safely reach the switchboard, don’t force it. Trying to “push through” danger often makes the situation worse.
Step 3: Know How To Put Out An Electrical Fire Safely
This is where many people make well-intentioned but often extraordinarily dangerous mistakes. Don’t ever forget that electrical fires cannot be treated like ordinary fires. Why? Because electricity may still be present — even if flames look relatively small and manageable.
The safest option is an electrical fire extinguisher, such as a dry chemical or CO2 unit, which is specifically designed not to conduct electricity. These extinguishers smother the fire without putting you at risk of electrocution.
NEVER USE:
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Water
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Wet towels
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Hoses
Remember, water conducts electricity and can cause serious injury in an instant.
Step 3 is the correct approach for anyone learning how to put out an electrical fire without increasing the danger.
Step 4: Don’t Improvise If The Fire Doesn’t Go Out Immediately
Two things to stop and ask yourself:
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Have you turned off the power and the fire doesn’t subside quickly?
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Are you lacking the right extinguisher?
In those cases, STOP and leave the area immediately.
Trying to improvise with household items often escalates electrical fires rather than controlling them. Part of knowing how to put out electrical fire situations is also knowing when to step back and let professionals handle it.
Step 5: Get Out Early If You’re Unsure
Electrical fires can be very deceptive indeed. The flames may disappear, but the wiring could be continuing to smoulder behind the walls, ceilings, or appliances. If you feel uncertain at any point, trust that instinct.
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Get everyone outside
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Close doors behind you if possible
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Call emergency services from a safe distance
Step 6: What To Do After The Flames Are Gone
Even if the fire looks minor and appears to be out, the risk isn’t necessarily over. Did you know electrical fires are very prone to reigniting hours or even days later? That’s due to:
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Heat damage
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Melted insulation
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Compromised wiring
A crucial part of how to stop an electrical fire at home properly is to NEVER restore power until the system has been checked by a licensed electrician.
Step 7: Why Electrical Fires Start In The First Place
Sure, they’re always accidents — but in truth, most electrical fires don’t come out of nowhere. They’re often linked to:
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Overloaded power points
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Ageing wiring
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Damaged cords
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Faulty appliances
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Outdated switchboards
And homes with increased power demand — including solar systems, batteries, or older infrastructure — are especially vulnerable.
So look out for the warning signs:
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Flickering lights
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Tripping circuits
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Buzzing sounds
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A faint burning smell
These are the signals to act as soon as you notice them — never wait.
Step 8: Prevention Is Still The Safest Option
When we say be prepared, we mean more than just knowing what to do in an emergency. What really reduces the risk of an electrical fire starting in the first place are things like:
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Regular electrical inspections
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Getting old switchboards upgraded
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Using appliances safely and properly
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Having the correct extinguisher accessible
Frightening situations can become manageable ones with the right education and the right preparation — and we hope we’ve done our bit with this blog today.
When To Call An Electrician
At the end of the day, the aftermath of any and every electrical fire — even a small one — should be inspected by a licensed electrician before the power is switched back on. You might think it’s overkill, but it’s not — it’s about making sure the underlying issue is fixed and not still hidden.
Professional assessment ensures your home is safe, compliant, and protected from repeat incidents.
Need Help From A Licensed Sydney Electrician?
Have you gone through an electrical fire, a near miss, or you’re having ongoing electrical issues? The team at Wire In Electrical are fully licensed, insured, available Sydney-wide, and standing by right now to help.
Call now for expert advice, inspections, and 24/7 emergency electrical support.
