Make sure you use the right type of fire extinguisher when you tackle a blaze.

That's the advice from fire services after an incident at a shop in Douglas yesterday (Thurs)

It happened just before 2pm when a fire was reported at a shop in Granville Street.

Two appliances attended the scene and discovered that the fire had been at an external electrical intake at the rear of the property. However, the flames had been doused by a member of the public using a foam and water based fire extinguisher.

Fire officers say whilst the actions of the person who tackled the blaze had been with the best intentions, the wrong sort of extinguisher had been used. With the high voltages involved, they had been incredibly lucky not to have been electrocuted.
Officers say a dry powder or Carbon dioxide extinguisher should have been used.

Crews had to request specialist help from MEA engineers who isolated the power supply before checking that everything was safe.

Members of the public are reminded to always check that an extinguisher is the right type for a particular blaze before using it. One which is water based should never be used on live electrics as current can be conducted through the liquid and cause fatal injuries.