Pouring water on a clothing fire is not effective

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 28 views

Your Clothing is on Fire: A Step-by-Step Guide to Safety

In the event of a clothing fire, every second counts. The key to preventing serious injury or even death is to act quickly and correctly. While it may seem like a simple task, knowing the right steps to take can be the difference between a minor incident and a life-threatening situation. In this article, we will explore the best course of action to take when your clothing is on fire.

Clothing fires can occur anywhere, at any time. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including electrical malfunctions, open flames, and even accidental contact with hot surfaces. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), clothing fires account for approximately 500 deaths and 5,000 injuries each year in the United States alone.

When your clothing is on fire, the first few seconds are crucial. The longer you wait to take action, the more severe the burns will be. In fact, the NFPA estimates that the average person has only 30 seconds to 1 minute to escape a burning building before the fire becomes too intense to survive.

So, what should you do if your clothing is on fire? The answer is not as simple as it seems. While it may be tempting to grab a nearby liquid to douse the flames, this is actually one of the worst things you can do. Here's why:

Pouring water on a clothing fire is not effective: Water can actually make the fire worse by splashing it onto your skin and causing more damage.
Running outside is not the best option: While getting outside can help to clear the air and reduce the risk of further injury, it's not the most effective way to put out a clothing fire.
Dialing 9-1-1 and waiting for help is not the best first step: While calling for help is essential, it's not the first thing you should do in a clothing fire emergency.

So, what is the best first thing to do if your clothing is on fire? The answer is to stop, drop, and roll. This simple technique can help to smother the flames and prevent further injury.

Stop: Immediately stop moving and assess the situation.
Drop: Drop to the ground and remove any loose clothing that may be fueling the fire.
Roll: Roll on the ground to smother the flames and prevent them from spreading.

Stop, drop, and roll is an effective technique for putting out clothing fires because it:

Removes oxygen: By rolling on the ground, you can remove oxygen from the fire, which is essential for its survival.
Smotheres the flames: The rolling motion can help to smother the flames and prevent them from spreading.
Prevents further injury: By stopping and dropping to the ground, you can prevent further injury and reduce the risk of burns.

In addition to stop, drop, and roll, there are several other things you can do to stay safe in the event of a clothing fire:

Wear loose-fitting clothing: Loose-fitting clothing can help to prevent the fire from spreading and make it easier to remove.
Avoid synthetic fabrics: Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon can melt and stick to your skin, making it harder to escape.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby: A fire extinguisher can help to put out the fire quickly and prevent further damage.
Practice fire safety: Practice fire safety by following basic safety precautions such as keeping electrical appliances away from water and avoiding open flames.

In conclusion, if your clothing is on fire, the best first thing to do is to stop, drop, and roll. This simple technique can help to smother the flames and prevent further injury. By following these steps and practicing fire safety, you can reduce the risk of serious injury or even death in the event of a clothing fire.

National Fire Protection Association. (2022). Clothing Fires.
American Red Cross. (2022). Fire Safety.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Burns.
Your Clothing is on Fire: A Q&A Guide to Safety

In our previous article, we discussed the importance of quick action in the event of a clothing fire. We also explored the correct course of action to take, including the use of the stop, drop, and roll technique. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about clothing fires and provide additional tips for safety.

A: The most common causes of clothing fires include:

Electrical malfunctions: Faulty electrical appliances or cords can cause clothing fires.
Open flames: Candles, cigarettes, and other open flames can ignite clothing.
Accidental contact with hot surfaces: Touching hot surfaces, such as stovetops or ovens, can cause clothing fires.
Synthetic fabrics: Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon can melt and stick to your skin, making it harder to escape.

A: The signs of a clothing fire include:

Smoking or burning odors: If you notice a smoking or burning odor, it may be a sign that your clothing is on fire.
Visible flames: If you see visible flames, it's essential to act quickly to prevent further injury.
Heat or warmth: If you feel heat or warmth on your skin, it may be a sign that your clothing is on fire.

A: If you see someone else's clothing on fire, follow these steps:

Alert the person: Alert the person that their clothing is on fire and encourage them to stop, drop, and roll.
Call for help: Call 9-1-1 or alert someone nearby to call for help.
Provide assistance: If the person is unable to escape, provide assistance by helping them to a safe location.

A: No, you should not use water to put out a clothing fire. Water can actually make the fire worse by splashing it onto your skin and causing more damage. Instead, use the stop, drop, and roll technique to smother the flames.

A: Some additional tips for safety include:

Wear loose-fitting clothing: Loose-fitting clothing can help to prevent the fire from spreading and make it easier to remove.
Avoid synthetic fabrics: Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon can melt and stick to your skin, making it harder to escape.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby: A fire extinguisher can help to put out the fire quickly and prevent further damage.
Practice fire safety: Practice fire safety by following basic safety precautions such as keeping electrical appliances away from water and avoiding open flames.

A: After a clothing fire, follow these steps:

Seek medical attention: If you have suffered burns or other injuries, seek medical attention immediately.
Report the incident: Report the incident to the authorities and provide any necessary information.
Take steps to prevent future fires: Take steps to prevent future fires by practicing fire safety and following basic safety precautions.

In conclusion, clothing fires can be a serious and potentially life-threatening situation. By following the correct course of action and practicing fire safety, you can reduce the risk of serious injury or even death. Remember to stop, drop, and roll in the event of a clothing fire, and seek medical attention if you have suffered burns or other injuries.

National Fire Protection Association. (2022). Clothing Fires.
American Red Cross. (2022). Fire Safety.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Burns.