Fire Service

Most fires start small. People who know how to prevent, detect and escape a fire, and how to use an extinguisher on a small one, save lives and property.

Call 101Fire brigade in India: 101. National emergency number: 112. Raise the alarm first; never delay calling.

Understand fire

A fire needs three things: heat, fuel and oxygen. Remove any one and the fire goes out. Match the extinguisher to the fuel:

Ordinary materials

Wood, paper, cloth, plastic. Water or foam.

Flammable liquids

Petrol, oil, paint. Foam, CO₂ or dry powder. Never water.

Gases

Cooking gas, LPG. Shut off the supply if safe, use dry powder.

Electrical

Switch off power first. Use CO₂ or dry powder. Never water.

Using an extinguisher: PASS

Pull the safety pin
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle
Sweep side to side across the base

Fight a fire only if it is small, you have a clear exit behind you, and the alarm has been raised. If in doubt, get out.

If the alarm sounds

Raise the alarm and call 101
Leave at once by the nearest safe exit and use the stairs, never the lift
Crawl low if there is smoke; cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth
Feel doors before opening; if hot, do not open
Close doors behind you to slow the spread
Go to the assembly point and report in; never go back inside
If clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop and Roll

Prevention checklist

Do not overload sockets; replace damaged wires
Keep exits and staircases clear and unlocked while people are inside
Store flammable materials away from heat and sparks
Test smoke alarms and check extinguisher dates
Never leave cooking, candles or heaters unattended

The NDMA has also issued guidelines on the scaling, equipment and training of fire services. See our Guidelines page.

Basic fire safety practice. This page is general guidance, not a replacement for hands-on training.

Seconds matter