Electrical Fire Response

Recognising an Electrical Fire

• Burning plastic or rubber smell
• Sparking, buzzing, or crackling from outlets, appliances, or wiring
• Discoloured or warm outlet plates
• Smoke from an appliance or outlet
• Circuit breaker tripping repeatedly

Immediate Actions

1. Do NOT use water — water conducts electricity and can cause electrocution
2. Cut the power if safe to do so:
   • Flip the relevant circuit breaker in the electrical panel (חשמל)
   • If you cannot identify the circuit, flip the main breaker
   • If the panel is near the fire or inaccessible, do NOT approach it
3. Alert everyone and get out if the fire is not immediately controllable
4. Call 102 (Fire & Rescue)

Fighting a Small Electrical Fire

Only attempt if the fire is small and you have a clear escape route.

If Power Is Disconnected

• Once unplugged from mains, an electrical fire becomes an ordinary fire
• Use the fire blanket or the CO₂ extinguisher

If Power Is Still Live

• Use only the CO₂ extinguisher — it is safe on live electrical equipment
• Do NOT use the fire blanket on live electrics (risk of electrocution)
• Do NOT use water, foam, or wet towels

PASS Method (CO₂ Extinguisher)

1. Pull the pin
2. Aim at the base of the fire
3. Squeeze the handle
4. Sweep side to side

Hold the horn by the grip only — it gets extremely cold.

Common Causes in the Home

Risk	Prevention
Overloaded power strips	Max 2–3 devices per strip; never daisy-chain strips
Damaged cables	Replace frayed or cracked cords immediately
Appliances left on	Unplug space heaters, irons, and hair tools after use
Covered appliances	Never cover vents on TVs, computers, or chargers
Wet hands near electrics	Dry hands before touching switches or plugs
Old or faulty wiring	Report to landlord; do NOT DIY electrical repairs

After the Fire

• Do NOT reconnect power until a licensed electrician has inspected the damage
• Dispose of any fire-damaged appliances — do NOT attempt to reuse them
• Ventilate the apartment (open windows, use fans)
• Report to the landlord — electrical faults in the building structure are their responsibility
• Have the CO₂ extinguisher recharged or replaced after use

Emergency Numbers

Service	Number
Fire & Rescue	102
Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) Faults	103
MDA Ambulance	101