ELECTRICAL FIRES...HANDLE WITH CARE
All fires are dangerous and present a threat of injury due to flames and smoke, but an electrical fire adds another threat...shock or electrocution. The Brunswick Fire Department says that extra care must be taken when presented with an electrical fire.
If an electrical appliance catches fire, first try unplugging it or shutting the electricity off at the fuse or circuit breaker box (don't risk reaching over the fire to do this). Once the electricity is cut off, most appliance fires will go out. If you cannot shut off the electricity call the fire department immediately. DO NOT USE WATER ON AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. Water conducts electricity and you could be badly shocked. Use a fire extinguisher that does not have water in it. Look for the letter "C" on the extinguisher; meaning it is approved for use on electrical fires.
Sometimes electrical fires begin in the wiring concealed in the walls. If you smell smoke or the odor of electrical burning, don't take chances. Call the fire department immediately. Get everyone out of the house. Don't wait to investigate. Electrical fires can smolder for hours before causing a fire. You may not be able to see smoke or fire, but it may be there...behind your walls. It is always better to call the fire department and find you have no problem than to delay the call and lose your home to an electrical fire.