A person catching fire is a life-threatening emergency demanding immediate, decisive action. Because flames consume clothing and skin rapidly, a few seconds of informed response can prevent catastrophic injury. Responding requires a sequential and focused approach: extinguishing the fire, stabilizing the victim, and preventing future incidents. This guide prioritizes the safety of both the person on fire and the rescuer.
How to Immediately Extinguish the Fire
The primary objective is to smother the flames quickly by cutting off the oxygen supply. The most reliable technique for a person whose clothing has ignited is the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” maneuver. The person must immediately cease movement, as running or waving arms provides the fire with more oxygen, causing it to spread faster.
The person should drop to the ground and cover their face and mouth with their hands to protect their airway and facial skin. Rolling back and forth repeatedly presses the burning material against the ground, mechanically smothering the flames until they are completely extinguished.
If the person is panicking or unable to perform the maneuver, a bystander must intervene to force them to the ground. Use a heavy, non-synthetic material like a wool blanket or thick natural-fiber coat to wrap the person, starting from the head and moving down to pat and press the flames out. Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or polyester, as they can melt and fuse to the skin, deepening the injury.
A rescuer should protect their own hands and face before intervening, perhaps by wrapping clothing around their hands for heat protection. Water is effective for extinguishing fires involving ordinary combustibles like clothing. However, do not use water if the fire involves flammable liquids (like grease or gasoline) or is near an electrical source, as it can spread the burning liquid or conduct electricity.
Essential Care After the Flames Are Out
Once the flames are completely extinguished, immediately call emergency medical services (911 or local equivalent). While awaiting professional help, the most important first aid step is cooling the burn area to stop the burning process deeper within the tissues. Apply cool, running tap water to the injury for a sustained period of at least 20 minutes.
Use cool water, not freezing water or ice, as extreme cold can cause further tissue damage and increase the risk of hypothermia, especially with large burns. Gently remove any restrictive clothing or jewelry near the burn, as rapid swelling can cut off circulation. If clothing is melted onto the skin, it must be left in place; attempting removal will cause severe trauma.
After cooling, loosely cover the burn area to prevent infection and contamination. Use a clean, non-fluffy cloth, sterile gauze, or clean plastic wrap. Treat the person for shock by keeping them warm with blankets, focusing on uninjured areas, and keeping their feet slightly elevated if no head or neck injuries are suspected.
Continuously monitor the person’s level of consciousness and check for normal breathing. Reassuring them calmly and consistently can help mitigate psychological shock. Even seemingly minor burns require professional medical evaluation, as the extent of tissue damage is not always immediately apparent.
Fire Safety Measures to Prevent Accidental Ignition
Most clothing ignition occurs in domestic settings due to common household hazards. Frequent causes include loose clothing contacting open gas stovetop flames, improperly discarded smoking materials, or clothing brushing against unguarded space heaters. While children’s sleepwear has strict flammability standards, adult clothing generally does not, making awareness of material types near heat sources important.
Loose-fitting clothing, particularly around the kitchen, poses an increased risk of catching fire near a heat source. Maintaining a distance of at least three feet from all heat-producing appliances, such as ovens and portable heaters, is an effective preventive measure.
Household preparedness is a major factor in reducing fire-related injuries. This includes installing and regularly testing smoke detectors on every level and having readily accessible, appropriately rated fire extinguishers. Furthermore, instructing everyone on the proper execution of “Stop, Drop, and Roll” ensures the life-saving reflex is ingrained for a moment of crisis.