What should be done if an electrical fire occurs?

Using a Class C fire extinguisher is the appropriate action to take during an electrical fire because these extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires that involve electrical equipment. Class C extinguishers utilize non-conductive agents such as carbon dioxide or dry chemicals, which effectively put out the fire without posing a risk of electrical shock.

Water is a conductor of electricity, and using it on an electrical fire can lead to severe hazards for the person attempting to extinguish the flames, including the risk of electrocution. Similarly, attempting to smother the flames with a cloth does not address the underlying electrical source of the fire and could potentially worsen the situation. While evacuating the area is often a wise choice for personal safety, it should ideally be combined with tackling the fire if one is safely equipped to do so, or at the very least, ensuring that emergency services are contacted immediately. Thus, reaching for a Class C fire extinguisher is the most effective and safest way to respond to an electrical fire.