How To Safely Extinguish an Electrical Fire?

Date Published: February 16, 2026, Last Updated on February 27, 2026 by David Briggs

Electrical fires are one of the most dangerous types of house fires because they involve live electricity. Acting incorrectly can make the situation worse in seconds. 

If you ever smell burning from power points, see sparks from wiring, or notice flames near appliances, knowing how to extinguish an electrical fire safely can prevent serious injury and property damage.

In any electrical fire emergency, the first priority is controlling the immediate risk and ensuring everyone’s safety. 

In this guide, our experienced emergency electrician in Melbourne explains what to do in the moment and what steps to take afterwards to ensure your property is properly inspected and made safe.

If the fire is spreading or you are at risk, evacuate immediately and call Triple Zero (000).

Electrical fire emergency?

If you have extinguished a fire or suspect hidden electrical damage, call Briggs Electrical on 1300 300 222 for urgent professional assistance. Safety should always come first.

What causes electrical fires?

Electrical fires usually start due to faults within electrical systems. Common causes include:

• Overloaded circuits
• Damaged wiring or ageing insulation
• Loose connections inside power points
• Faulty appliances
• Short circuits
• Switchboard or blown fuse issues
• Repeated tripping safety switch events

Often, warning signs appear before flames. These may include flickering lights, overheating outlets, buzzing sounds, or a safety switch that keeps tripping unexpectedly. In some cases, a blown fuse may be the first indicator that wiring is under stress.

How do you safely extinguish an electrical fire?

The most important rule: never use water on an electrical fire.

If safe to do so, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the power source

If you can safely access the switchboard, turn off the main power supply. Cutting power reduces the risk of the fire reigniting.

2. Use the correct fire extinguisher

Only use:

• A CO2 fire extinguisher
• A dry chemical powder extinguisher

These are suitable for electrical fires because they do not conduct electricity.

3. Do not use water or wet cloths

Water conducts electricity. Even small amounts can result in severe electric shock or electrocution if the circuit is still live.

If the fire is very small and contained, baking soda can sometimes help smother flames by releasing carbon dioxide. However, this should be used only for minor appliance fires and is not a substitute for a CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher.

4. Evacuate if the fire spreads

If the fire grows beyond a small contained area, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.

What NOT to do during an electrical fire

People often panic and make dangerous decisions. Avoid:

• Throwing water on the flames
• Touching burning appliances
• Attempting to unplug devices during active flames
• Repeatedly resetting a tripping safety switch
• Ignoring smoke after flames are extinguished

If smoke continues or burning smells remain, there may still be live wiring or hidden heat within the walls.

Signs of hidden electrical fire damage

Even if the fire appears extinguished, damage may remain within walls, ceiling cavities, or switchboards. Warning signs include:

• Persistent burning smells
• Melted insulation on wires
• Blackened power points
• Warm switchboards
• Power failure or blackout events after the incident
• Lighting and appliance failure in affected rooms

Storm damage and moisture exposure can also weaken wiring and increase the risk of electrical damage due to bad weather, which may contribute to later electrical fires.

Why are electrical fires especially dangerous

Electrical fires behave differently from other fires because they are fed by a continuous power source. Until electricity is disconnected, the risk remains.

Dangers include:

• Electric shocks
• Flash burns
• Rapid fire spread through the wall cavities
• Structural damage
• Appliance destruction

Melbourne homes with older wiring are particularly vulnerable, especially where circuits were not designed for modern appliance loads.

What to do after an electrical fire

Even if the fire was small and quickly controlled, a licensed electrician must inspect the system. Electrical components exposed to heat can fail later, increasing the risk of repeat incidents.

A professional inspection may involve:

• Testing the integrity of wiring
• Checking safety switches and circuit breakers
• Inspecting fuse systems
• Assessing appliance damage
• Ensuring compliance with Australian safety standards

Failure to properly inspect after a fire can lead to further electric fires, Melbourne properties unfortunately experience due to hidden damage.

How to prevent electrical fires in the future

While not all incidents are preventable, you can reduce risk by:

• Avoiding overloaded power boards
• Replacing damaged appliances
• Having ageing wiring inspected
• Addressing repeated blown fuse events
• Investigating ongoing tripping safety switch problems
• Booking inspections after storms or flooding

Electrical fires often begin with small warning signs. Taking them seriously can prevent serious damage.

When to call an emergency electrician

Call immediately if:

• You smell burning from the power points
• Sparks are visible
• A fire has occurred, even if extinguished
• Multiple circuits lose power
• You experience shocks from appliances

Electrical fires are never “minor.” Prompt professional assessment ensures your home is safe before power is fully restored.

Need urgent help after an electrical fire?

If you’ve experienced an electrical fire or suspect wiring damage, do not delay.

Contact our emergency electricians team by calling  1300 300 222, or lodge a job for fast, professional assistance. 

Our licensed electricians will make the situation safe, identify the cause, and prevent further electrical hazards.