How to Put Out a Fire From an Electric Stove

Stoves are a common fire hazard in the kitchen -- whether gas or electric.

An electrical fire can occur quickly, and stoves are common hazards. Whether the fire is caused by faulty wiring, a power surge, a damaged outlet or a defect in the stove itself, the results are the same: the fire needs put out immediately to contain the damage. There are several methods available for putting out an electrical fire; while any one should do the trick, knowing what can -- and cannot -- be used on an electrical fire is important.

Instructions

1. Unplug the electric stove immediately, if possible. This should shut off the power source that is causing the fire, and may immediately extinguish the flames. However, the stove usually needs to be pulled away from the wall to gain access to the electrical plug; this may not be possible, depending on the location of the fire on or around the stove.

2. Smother the fire with a fire blanket, if one is available. If not, a dry household rug, towel, blanket, or curtain can be used to suffocate the fire; simply cover the fire with the chosen item to remove access to oxygen and extinguish the flames.

3. Put out the flames with a fire extinguisher designed for use on an electrical fire. Extinguishers in this class are made to handle electrical fires caused by faulty wiring, damaged outlets, malfunctioning circuit breakers and broken appliances. The powder or foam inside is pressured by nitrogen, releasing the chemical when the handle is properly engaged. There are two types of extinguishers that work on an electrical fire - a BC, which must be cleaned immediately after use to avoid damaging the stove or surrounding area; or an ABC, which leaves a sticky residue behind that can damage appliances, but should wash off surrounding surfaces.

4. Throw dry sand or dirt on the electrical stove fire, if no other smothering materials -- such as a blanket or a towel -- are available for use. The dirt or sand also suffocates the fire by removing its access to oxygen.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the plug, outlet and cord on your electric stove periodically. Make sure dust and dirt is removed to avoid a fire hazard.

• Never throw water on an electrical fire.

References

• The City of Marshfield: Fire & Rescue Department - Home Fire Prevention
• Fire Science Schools: 10 Things You Can Use to Put Out Fires
• Fire Extinguisher 101: Fire Extinguisher Types

Resources

• U.S. Fire Administration: Electrical Fire Safety
• New York State: Dept of State Fire Safety for Kids - Kitchen Fires