Fire emergencies

In a fire emergency, the best advice is simple and easy to remember:

Get out - Stay out - Call 999.

But many people choose to try and tackle the fire themselves. This section gives you the essential information how to stay safe.

Fight or flee?
More than anything else, we want you to stay safe. Find out why it's usually better to get out and stay out than stay to try and fight the blaze yourself.

Emergency basics
Advice from the experts on what to do in a fire emergency.

Chip pan fires
In Scotland in 2005 there were 854 house fires caused by chip or fat pans! Read how to prevent them and what to do if you have one.

Electrical fires
Aside from the dangers of smoke and flames, a fire involving an electrical appliance or mains wiring could electrocute you if you do the wrong thing. Find out more here.

Chimney fires
Unless you've had one, you won't believe the mess a chimney fire causes. Find out what to do in an emergency (it's a myth the Fire Service will charge you for a call-out) and how to avoid them in this section.

Using fire extinguishers
Using the wrong fire extinguisher or using it at the wrong time or in the wrong way could have disastrous consequences. Read our advice on using them safely.