When extinguishing a small electrical fire on board, which technique should you use?

• A. Splash water on it.
• B. Cover with a blanket.
• C. Evacuate and report immediately.
• D. Use the appropriate fire extinguisher, aim at the base of the fire, and sweep side to side until the fire is out.

Answer: (D)

For a small electrical fire on board, act quickly with the right tool and technique. Use an extinguisher suitable for electrical fires and direct the discharge at the base of the flames, then sweep from side to side until the fire is out. This approach targets the fuel/heat source and blankets the area with cooling and blocking of the reaction, reducing the chance of reignition. Water should not be used on electrical fires because it can conduct electricity and pose a shock risk. A blanket may smother flames but doesn’t reliably extinguish energized equipment. Evacuating and reporting are important, but if the fire can be controlled safely with the proper extinguisher, suppressing it promptly is the best course of action.