What to do in a house fire: escape and call for help

Warn others and decide quickly

When you detect smoke or fire, alert everyone and prioritise people over possessions. Leave if the fire is inside your home and the planned exit is clear. If the fire is elsewhere or smoke fills the stairwell, crossing it may be more dangerous than remaining protected indoors.

• Do not investigate if that means moving toward smoke.
• Help children and dependent people according to your household plan.
• Never re-enter for pets or belongings; tell firefighters what remains inside.
• Do not use an elevator during a fire.

Escape only through a clear route

Leave promptly and close doors behind you without locking them. A closed door slows smoke and flame. If you meet smoke, turn back rather than relying on a cloth to cross an area you cannot see. Meet at the agreed point and account for everyone without re-entering.

If smoke blocks the way

Do not enter a smoke-filled corridor or stairwell. Move to a room as far from the fire as possible, close the door and seal gaps if smoke enters. Call 112, give the address, floor, room and number of people, and make yourself visible at a window without jumping.

• Stay low if smoke enters the room.
• Follow instructions from the emergency operator and firefighters.
• Do not open windows generally, as airflow can feed a fire.

Cooking oil and pan fires

Never pour water onto burning oil. If the fire has just started, switch off the heat only if you can do so without reaching over flames, then cover the pan fully with a metal lid and leave it in place until cool. If this is not immediately safe, leave and call 112.

• Do not carry the pan to a sink or outdoors.
• Do not use flour, sugar or a dry synthetic cloth.
• Keep a clear escape route behind you at all times.

The limit of a fire extinguisher

Only consider an extinguisher for a small, early-stage fire after warning others, when you know the equipment and retain a clear exit behind you. Stop immediately if the fire persists, grows, creates smoke or changes your escape route.

Call 112 and wait outside

From safety, provide the exact address, affected area, anyone still inside, smoke in common areas and special hazards. Do not hang up until told. Never return until emergency services say it is safe, even when the flames appear to be out.