Fires Don’t Wait.
It only takes seconds for an electrical spark to become something serious. According to the USFA, in 2023, there were 23,700 fires due to electrical malfunctions. These fires often start quietly, no big flame, no loud bang, just a burning smell, a pop, or a flickering light. And panic can set in when you realize what’s happening.
Water isn’t safe. Guessing is dangerous. In those critical few moments, knowing what to do and what not to do can be the difference between a close call and a devastating loss.
Before the end of this article, you’ll know:
- How to safely put out a small electrical fire without making it worse
- What NOT to do in case of an electrical fire
- Simple steps you can take now to protect your home from fire risk
- Frequently Asked Questions we get about Electrical Fire Prevention
How Do You Put Out an Electrical Fire Safely
If you catch the fire early and it’s still small, like inside an outlet or at the base of an appliance, there are safe steps you can take to stop it before it spreads. But it’s crucial to act carefully.
Here’s what to do if it’s safe to act:
- Cut the power if you can. Only if it’s safe to access your breaker panel, turn off power to the affected circuit or the whole house. This instantly removes the fuel source.
- Use a Class C fire extinguisher. These are made specifically for electrical fires. Aim at the base of the flames, not the top, and sweep side to side. If the extinguisher is labeled ABC, you’re covered.
- Get out if it’s not small. If the fire is growing, smoke is thick, or you can’t cut power, get out immediately and call 911. Don’t try to fight a fire that’s out of control.
Even if you’ve put it out successfully, treat it like a warning. The fire is a symptom. The problem that caused it could still be hiding inside your wiring.
How to Stop an Electrical Fire Before It Sparks
Electrical fires often don’t come with a dramatic warning. More often, it’s the subtle clues that matter, signs many homeowners ignore until it’s too late. If you know what to look (and smell) for, you can act fast and stay safe.
Here are some of the most common early warning signs:
- A burning plastic or fishy smell with no clear source
- Sparking outlets when you plug or unplug devices
- Discolored or scorched outlet covers
- Buzzing, popping, or crackling sounds from switches or walls
- Lights that flicker or dim when large appliances turn on
- Warm or hot wall plates, especially near breakers or outlets
If you notice any of these signs, even without visible smoke or flames, it’s time to take it seriously. Electrical issues don’t fix themselves, and the earlier you catch the problem, the easier it is to prevent a fire.
What NOT to Do in an Electrical Fire
In the moment, it’s easy to panic. But reacting the wrong way can make an electrical fire more dangerous. One mistake we often see: people reach for water. It’s instinctual, but also incredibly risky.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Don’t use water. Water conducts electricity. Pouring it on an electrical fire could shock you or make the fire worse.
- Don’t touch anything plugged in. Unplugging something while it’s actively sparking or smoking puts you at risk of electrocution.
- Don’t assume it’s out just because the flames are gone. Electrical components can continue to smolder behind walls or inside outlets.
- Don’t ignore a tripped breaker if it keeps happening. It could be your home’s way of warning you.
The most important thing you can do is stay calm and stay clear until you’re sure it’s safe to act.
After the Fire: What Comes Next
Putting out the flames is just the beginning.
Even a small electrical fire leaves questions behind. What caused it? Is the problem still hiding inside your walls? Could it happen again?
This is where a professional evaluation matters. Electrical fires often leave behind damaged wires, scorched insulation, or overloaded circuits, and those issues aren’t always visible. That’s why our team uses diagnostic tools like thermal imaging, load testing, and voltage drop analysis to find what others miss.
Whether you had a fire or just a close call, don’t leave your safety up to chance. We can help you uncover the root of the problem and restore peace of mind with real answers, not guesswork.
Electrical Fires Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does an electrical fire smell like?
Most smell like burning plastic or give off a fishy odor. It’s often the first sign that something is overheating behind a wall or inside an outlet.
2. What should I do first if I see an electrical fire starting?
If it’s safe, cut power at the breaker and use a Class C or ABC fire extinguisher. If the fire is spreading or you're unsure, evacuate immediately and call 911.
3. Why can’t I use water on an electrical fire?
Because water conducts electricity. Pouring water on an electrical fire can cause electrocution or make the fire worse.
4. Do I still need an electrician if I put the fire out myself?
Yes. Small fires can leave behind hidden damage that increases the risk of it happening again. It’s safest to have the system professionally inspected.
Be Prepared, Not Scared
You don’t need to live in fear of an electrical fire, but you can be ready.
Most of the danger we see in homes isn’t from dramatic failures, it’s from small things left unchecked. An overloaded circuit. A loose connection behind the wall. A fire extinguisher that isn’t rated for the right kind of emergency.
That’s why we always recommend simple, proactive steps:
- Keep a Class C or ABC fire extinguisher on every level of your home
- Make sure smoke detectors are installed and working (not chirping!)
- Schedule a home safety evaluation if you’ve noticed anything unusual, burning smells, flickering lights, or outlets that feel warm
At Integra Electrical, we help homeowners across Des Moines feel safe, not stressed. Whether you’ve already had a scare or just want to be sure everything’s in order, we’re here to walk your home inch by inch, explaining what’s working, what isn’t, and how to move forward with clarity.
Because real peace of mind doesn’t come from guessing—it comes from knowing. And often, an electrical fire is just one symptom of a deeper issue. If you're wondering what else might be hiding behind your walls, here are the 5 most common problems we find in Iowa homes, and how to catch them before they turn into emergencies.
