First Aid
Fire and smoke: what to do
How to get out of a fire, what to do about smoke, and who to call.
Call 101Fire
Because smoke kills far more people than flame, and it does it quickly.
Do this now
- 01Get everyone out first, then ring 101. Do not gather belongings.
- 02Stay low — clean air sits near the floor. Crawl if you have to.
- 03Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth.
- 04Feel a door with the back of your hand before opening it. If it is hot, leave it shut and find another way.
- 05If clothing catches fire: stop, drop and roll. Smother the flames with a blanket.
- 06If there is a gas smell, do not touch any switch — on or off — and do not light anything. Open the windows and get out.
- 07Once out, stay out. Anyone who has breathed smoke needs checking even if they feel well.
Do not
- Do not go back inside for anything or anyone. Tell the fire crew who is still in there.
- Do not use a lift.
- Do not open a hot door.
- Do not throw water on an oil or electrical fire. Smother an oil fire with a lid or a damp cloth.
- Do not operate switches or phones inside a suspected gas leak.
What to tell the operator
- The exact address, floor and how to get in
- What is burning — kitchen, wiring, gas cylinder, vehicle
- Whether anybody is still inside or trapped
- Whether anyone has breathed smoke or is burnt
Find help near you
See the nearest places with distance, whether they are open, a phone number and directions.
What this page cannot tell you
- Smoke inhalation damage often appears hours later, after the airway swells
- Carbon monoxide has no smell and causes no pain