Is Water the Best Way to Put out a Fire?

Water is not always the best way to put out a fire. In fact, in some situations water can make the situation much worse. It is important to know the source or cause of the fire before you attempt to put it out yourself. You should also not attempt to put out large fires by yourself. If you don’t know the cause of the fire or it is already spreading, it is important to leave and call the fire department. Do not stay in a house that is on fire.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Fire extinguishers
• Telephone

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Instructions

• 1

  Use water to put out the fire if the fire is on paper, cloth or wood. You can also use a Class A fire extinguisher. If the fire is in your kitchen and you can safely move the item that is on fire, you should drop the item in your sink and turn on the faucet. This will put out the fire quickly, instead of trying to pour containers of water over the item.

• 2

  Use baking soda or a Class B fire extinguisher if the fire is caused by grease or fat. A grease fire is an example of a type of fire that can not be extinguished using water. These types of fires are most common in the kitchen but can also occur in a garage or campground.

• 3

  Use a Class C fire extinguisher or baking soda to put out an electrical fire. You can also use a Class ABC fire extinguisher, which is designed to handle electrical, grease, fat, wood, paper or cloth.

• 4

  Smother the flame. Fires need oxygen to grow. If you cut off the oxygen supply the fire will go out on its own. This is also common in the kitchen. If something in your oven catches fire, turn off the oven and shut the door. If the food in your frying pan catches fire, put the lid of the pan on and turn off the heat. Never use a blanket or other flammable material to try to smother a fire.

• 5

  Call the fire department. Fires can spread very quickly, and turn from a little kitchen fire to a deadly house fire in minutes. If your first attempt to put out the fire fails or the fire begins to spread, immediately leave the house and call the fire department. Leave the house first.