Special situations: clothing, electrics, liquids and gas

Different types of ignition require fundamentally different actions, and a mistake here can be fatal. If someone's clothing catches fire, do not run — running fans the flames. Use "Stop, Drop, Roll": stop, lie down and roll to smother the flames, or cover the person with a heavy cloth, jacket or blanket to cut off oxygen. Water may and should be used if it is nearby. Do not peel burnt clothing off burns; cool the burns with clean cool water and call an ambulance.

It is vital to remember what must not be doused with water. Do not pour water on wiring and appliances that are live — water conducts electricity and you may be shocked. First cut the power if you can (switch off the breaker), and only then extinguish — or use a CO2/powder extinguisher. Do not use water on flammable liquids, oil or fat: water is heavier, it instantly boils, scatters the burning liquid and sharply increases the fire area. Burning oil in a pan is covered with a lid or heavy cloth (cutting off oxygen) and the stove switched off, but never doused with water.

Gas is a separate hazard. If you smell gas, do not switch electrical devices or lights on/off, light a flame or use switches — a spark will cause an explosion. Shut off the gas supply (the tap on the stove, the valve), open windows to ventilate, get people out and call the emergency gas service from the street or a neighbor's. In a fire involving a gas cylinder there is an explosion risk, so the priority is to evacuate people to a safe distance and call the fire service.