There are a number of ways a fire can start and different types of fires need to be dealt with in different ways. You can't just dump water on every type of fire- in some cases it can make things significantly worse. Obviously if the fire is out of control and spreading there isn't a lot you can do aside from get yourself to safety and call 9-1-1. If you have any doubt of your ability to stop the fire then call 9-1-1 to be on the safe side- and specify what kind of fire it is. You should still know how to manage the different kinds of fires just in case. I'll break it down by the type of fire and what you should do.
Electrical
You need to cut power to the circuit. If it's an appliance and you can safely unplug it- do that. if not, you need to find the circuit breaker and turn off power to that circuit.
If you have a class-C or "multipurpose ABC" fire extinguisher use that. It should be clearly labeled. If you're not sure what kind it is, don't use it. An ABC extinguisher is a chemical based extinguisher designed to handle electrical fires. If you use a compressed water extinguisher it could make it the fire worse or increase the chance of electrocution.
One common household item that can be used on electrical fires is baking soda. Any sodium bicarbonate (some powder detergents, baking soda) can be used to smother the fire.
Grease/oil
You'll typically encounter these while cooking. The best way to put it out is to cover it with a metal lid to starve the fire of oxygen. If you don't have anything metal to cover it with you can also use baking soda. Don't use water. Water separates from oil- goes under it- gets super heated into steam and explodes, spreading the oil/grease. That's bad.
You'll typically encounter these while cooking. The best way to put it out is to cover it with a metal lid to starve the fire of oxygen. If you don't have anything metal to cover it with you can also use baking soda. Don't use water. Water separates from oil- goes under it- gets super heated into steam and explodes, spreading the oil/grease. That's bad.
This is a class B fire- so you need a class B or comparable extinguisher.
Gasoline/liquids
Similar to the grease and oil- don't use water on it. Smother it.
Similar to the grease and oil- don't use water on it. Smother it.
Organics/Trash
Think campfires. Water is acceptable in this situation as long as you have enough. You can also smother the fire with sand to starve it of oxygen.
Gas/propane grill
Turn off the gas supply immediately. If the fire is contained in the grill but out of control- turn the gas off first and deal with the grill after. As long as there is enough pressure in the tank to push gas out of the hose you should have time to turn it off. If the fire is allowed to creep up the hose and into the tank it will probably explode- which is bad.
Proper fire extinguisher technique:
Most extinguishers have diagrams and labels- but you're not going to read them if your kitchen is burning down. Aim for the base of the fire and use the extinguisher liberally. It's like a bad guy in a movie. Don't just walk away assuming he's dead when he's down- because he's going to get back up again. It's not like you need to save the rest of the extinguisher for later.
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