How to Help Someone Who is on Fire

In yet another heart wrenching video a man is seen dousing himself with fuel and then setting himself on fire. For nearly a minute the fire burned without any interventions by the public to put it out.
“Someone Help!” They yelled while many of them recorded the incident.

How can you help someone who has set themselves on fire?

Is it safe to intervene?
One of the first things firefighters and medical personnel learn is to ensure the scene is safe. If the person intervening injures themselves or catches on fire the problem becomes that much bigger.

Staying back and calling for help may be the best response many people are capable of.

What kind of fire is it?

No accelerant: Did someone light their clothing on fire? These flames will be much less intense and could be put out with a fire extinguisher, blanket, or stop drop and roll. While still somewhat dangerous it’s not as dangerous as someone who has used an accelerant.

Fire with an accelerant: In most protests the individual will pour an accelerant on themselves beforehand. At this point the person is extremely dangerous to interact with and be near especially if he has an ignition source.

There is a good chance the fuel could get on you.

Signs of accelerant use:

Unnaturally large flames
Dark smoke
Dripping flames
Strong accelerant smell

Options to extinguish the flame

If you can safely do so, here are some of the options for putting out a fire.

Fire extinguisher: This is the safest intervention as it allows you to stay a safe distance away from the individual and won’t disperse the accelerant as much as water may. Remember PASS Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze and Sweep from side to side.
Be prepared for the fire to reignite.

Blanket or coat: A blanket or coat can be used to put out the flames. This is likely to be the most readily available item.

Water: Is there a hose or bucket/pitcher of water nearby? Be extremely careful though, if an oil based fuel was used it may react and spread the fuel/flames even further.
Water bottles can be used to help cool off the body after the initial flames are extinguished.

Immediate care after

Continue to cool the person off, even though the flames are gone the clothing and skin may still be hundreds of degrees and causing more burning to the tissue below.

If you can remove items (belt or clothing) without causing more damage do so. If they have melted and fused with the skin continue to cool them off by pouring water on them and let the professionals remove it.

Take care of yourself

This is a traumatic event for everyone involved. Please get the help you need after and give yourself some grace. It is not your responsibility to handle such an abnormal event like it is normal. I also highly recommend seeking help from a chaplain/pastor or therapist if needed.

Join our email to hear about new resources to help you stay on top of severe weather outbreaks