Experiencing an electrical fire in your home or business can be overwhelming and frightening. After the fire is extinguished, you must act quickly and carefully to ensure your safety and begin the recovery process. Knowing what to do after an electrical fire helps prevent further damage, supports your insurance claim, and ensures your electrical system is safe before being used again.

1. Confirm the Fire is Fully Out and the Area is Safe

Before doing anything else, wait for the fire department to confirm that the fire has been completely extinguished. Do not attempt to re-enter the building until you receive official clearance. Electrical fires can cause hidden damage inside walls or ceilings, and there may still be a risk of reignition if wires are smoldering or circuits are compromised.

2. Contact an Emergency Electrician

One of the first professionals you should call is an emergency electrician. Even if the fire was localized, the electrical system throughout your property may be affected. An electrician will inspect for signs of melted wiring, damaged circuits, or faulty connections. Until this assessment is complete, do not restore power or use any electrical appliances, outlets, or switches.

3. Document the Damage Thoroughly

As soon as it is safe to enter the property, start documenting the damage. Take photos and videos of burned areas, charred wiring, damaged appliances, and any other signs of fire or smoke damage. Include both wide shots and close-ups. These records are essential when filing an insurance claim and will also help your electrician identify where the fire originated and what repairs are needed.

4. Notify Your Insurance Provider

Contact your insurance company promptly and begin the claims process. Provide them with your documentation, including photos, videos, and any reports from the fire department. Your insurance provider will likely schedule an inspection and assign an adjuster to assess the loss. Be prepared to give a detailed account of the incident and the extent of the damage.

5. Schedule a Full Electrical Inspection

After an electrical fire, your entire system should be inspected. A licensed electrician will evaluate the panel, outlets, circuits, and hidden wiring to determine whether anything is compromised. This inspection will also help identify the fire’s cause, whether it was due to overloaded outlets, outdated wiring, or equipment failure. A detailed inspection is key to understanding what to fix and how to prevent a similar event in the future.

6. Make Necessary Repairs or Upgrades

Once the inspection is complete, begin work with your electrician to repair or replace damaged components. This might include rewiring affected sections of the home, replacing the electrical panel, or installing modern safety devices like arc-fault circuit interrupters. If the fire revealed deeper issues within the system, such as outdated wiring or code violations, consider a larger upgrade to bring everything up to modern safety standards.

7. Start the Cleanup and Restoration Process

Once the property is declared electrically safe, you can begin cleaning and restoring the space. Depending on the extent of the damage, this may involve removing smoke-damaged materials, repainting walls, replacing insulation, and cleaning soot from surfaces and air ducts. Restoration companies can help with odor removal, deep cleaning, and structural repairs.

8. Add New Safety Features

Now is the time to improve your home’s fire safety features. Install smoke detectors in each room and test them regularly. Add carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and common living areas. Place fire extinguishers in accessible locations such as the kitchen, laundry room, and garage. You may also want to talk to your electrician about installing whole-house surge protectors or ground fault circuit interrupters for added protection.

9. Set a Maintenance Schedule

To reduce the risk of future incidents, schedule regular electrical inspections, especially if you live in an older home. Watch for early warning signs of electrical problems, such as frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, buzzing sounds from outlets, or outlets that feel warm to the touch. If you notice any of these issues, call an emergency electrician to investigate and make repairs right away.

Reliable Help Across Pennsylvania

Understanding what to do after an electrical fire helps you act with confidence in a stressful situation. Thomas Edison Electric provides expert electrical services throughout Pennsylvania, including fast response from an emergency electrician when you need it most. From inspections and repairs to safety upgrades and code compliance, our licensed professionals are here to help you recover quickly and safely. Reach out today to restore peace of mind and ensure your property is fully protected.