A clothing fire presents an immediate and extreme danger. The priority in this sudden emergency is to extinguish the flames quickly and calmly, as panic delays the correct response. A person whose clothing is on fire must cease all movement to prevent the fire from intensifying and spreading.
The Immediate Action: Stop, Drop, and Roll
The first and most effective self-rescue technique for someone whose clothes are on fire is “Stop, Drop, and Roll.” The initial step, Stop, requires the person to halt all movement instantly. Running or walking actively feeds the fire with a fresh supply of oxygen, which causes the flames to grow larger and burn hotter.
Next, the person must immediately Drop to the ground. Dropping helps to smother the fire by removing the air space around the flames and preventing the heat from rising toward the face and airways. The person should use their hands to cover their face and eyes to protect the delicate tissues from direct flame exposure and radiant heat.
The final step is to Roll until the flames are completely extinguished. This action works by physically pressing the burning fabric against the ground, which cuts off the oxygen supply required to sustain the fire. The rolling motion should be continuous and deliberate, targeting all areas where the clothing is burning.
External Intervention: Smothering and Fire Extinguishers
If the person cannot perform the self-rescue technique or if it proves ineffective, a bystander must intervene to smother the fire. The primary goal is to deprive the flames of oxygen using a non-flammable or heavy material. A dedicated fire blanket is the best option, but if unavailable, a heavy coat, a large rug, or a wool blanket can be used effectively.
When smothering the fire, the material should be draped over the victim, starting from the head and working down toward the feet. The rescuer must then gently, but firmly, pat the outside of the material to crush the flames and ensure they are completely smothered. Synthetic materials like polyester should be avoided, as they can melt and adhere to the skin, causing more severe burns.
Using a wet blanket requires caution due to the risk of steam burns. When water contacts the high heat of a clothing fire, it can rapidly vaporize, producing superheated steam that causes deeper injuries. Therefore, a dry, heavy, non-synthetic material is the safer choice for smothering. If a fire extinguisher is available, an ABC-rated dry chemical unit is suitable for clothing fires.
The person using the extinguisher should follow the P.A.S.S. technique: Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. The victim must be instructed to cover their face, as the dry chemical powder can cause respiratory distress or irritation if inhaled. The use of an extinguisher offers the advantage of putting out the fire from a safer distance, reducing the rescuer’s proximity to the flames.
Post-Extinguishment Medical Care
Once the flames are completely extinguished, the immediate focus shifts to medical response and preventing further injury. Emergency medical services must be called immediately, as thermal injuries require professional treatment. The priority is to stop the burning process in the tissue itself, which is achieved by cooling the affected area.
The burn should be cooled with clean, cool, running water for ten to twenty minutes. The water should be cool, not ice-cold, because excessively cold water or ice can cause hypothermia or worsen tissue damage. While cooling the burn, any clothing or jewelry that is not stuck to the skin should be gently removed before swelling begins.
Do not pull off any clothing that is melted or adhered to the skin, as this will tear away damaged tissue. Do not apply home remedies such as butter, ointments, oils, or powders, as these substances trap heat in the skin and can increase the depth of the burn. After cooling, the burn should be loosely covered with a sterile, non-fluffy dressing to protect the exposed area from infection. The victim should be monitored closely for signs of shock, such as cool, clammy skin or shallow breathing, until professional help arrives.