Procedure 04Emergency Action Guide

Fire.

Fire feeds on three things — heat, fuel, oxygen. Take any one away and the fire dies. Account for the crew first, then attack the fire at its base, always from upwind.

Indicators
!
Smoke, heat, or smell of burning
!
Smoke or CO alarm sounding
!
Visible flames
Immediate Actions

Account for everyone.

Before you fight the fire, check that no crew is trapped — and confirm where the fire is.

  1. 1

    Account for all crew.

    Confirm no one is trapped by smoke or flame. If they are, free them first.

  2. 2

    Sound the alarm.

    Shout "Fire!" with the location — "Fire in the galley!" Crew puts on lifejackets.

  3. 3

    Locate the source.

    Where the fire is decides what you do next: engine, galley, or deck.

  4. 4

    Position the boat.

    Turn to put the fire downwind. Slow the boat. Engine to neutral.

NoteSmoke kills more sailors than flame. If smoke is filling the cabin, get crew on deck before anything else — close hatches behind you to starve the fire of air.
Check & Act

Fight the fire — where it is.

Where is the fire? The procedure splits three ways.

Scenario 1

In the engine room.

Don't open the hatch. Smother it through the access port.

Go to steps ↓
Scenario 2

In the galley.

Cut the gas. Smother with the blanket, then the extinguisher.

Go to steps ↓
Scenario 3

On deck.

Keep the fire downwind. Approach from windward.

Go to steps ↓
1Scenario · engine roomFire in the engine room
1

Do not open the engine hatch.

Opening the hatch feeds the fire a fresh charge of oxygen. Keep it closed and work through the access port.

2

Activate the automatic fire-extinguisher system.

If a fixed Sea-Fire (or equivalent) system is installed, trigger it now. Many systems also auto-discharge when the engine compartment hits ~175°F / 79°C — confirm yours did.

NoteStop the engine and the engine-room blowers if they are still running — both pull air in.
3

If there is no automatic system — discharge a portable extinguisher through the access port.

  • Insert the extinguisher nozzle through the dedicated access port directly into the engine room.
  • Aim at the base of the fire and fully discharge.
  • Keep the hatch closed. Let the compartment cool before you open anything.
When you must open the hatch, stand to the side, crack it slowly, and have a second extinguisher ready.
2Scenario · galleyFire in the galley
1

Cut the fuel supply.

Close the gas (LPG/propane) bottle at the locker and the stove's shut-off valve. For an alcohol or kerosene stove, smother the burner — do not blow on it.

2

Activate any automatic galley fire-extinguishing system.

If a fixed system is installed over the stove, trigger it.

3

Smother the fire.

Attempt to smother the fire using a wet towel, a fire blanket, or — only if those don't work — an ABC extinguisher aimed at the base of the flames.

NoteFor an oil/grease fire: never use water. The water vaporizes instantly and throws burning oil across the cabin. A wet towel or fire blanket starves the fire of air without splashing it.
3Scenario · on deckFire on deck
1

Maneuver to keep the fire downwind.

Turn the boat so the fire and its smoke blow away from you, the crew, and the rig. Slow down to steering speed.

2

Remove flammable material that might feed the fire.

Sails, sheets, fenders, jerry cans, cushions — clear anything combustible from the fire's path. If something nearby is already smoldering, throw it overboard.

3

Approach from windward with an ABC extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire.

  • Keep the wind at your back so the flames blow away.
  • Sweep across the base, not the flames.
  • Don't empty the extinguisher in one shot — short bursts, then re-aim.
Once out, wet down the surrounding area. Watch for re-ignition for at least 30 minutes.

If the fire is contained:

Stay with the affected area. Have a second extinguisher in hand. Ventilate the cabin to clear smoke once you are sure the fire is out. Inspect for damage to fuel, electrical, and hull systems before continuing under engine.

If the fire is not under control:

a)
Transmit a Mayday.
↗14Emergency Communications
b)
Prepare to Abandon Ship. Get the liferaft on deck, EPIRB out, grab-bag ready.
↗12Abandon Ship
Simulator

Run a fire scenario.

Three fires, three responses. Practice picking the right one fast — engine, galley, or deck.

Start simulator
Equipment · curated

Gear for this moment.

The equipment we'd want aboard if this alarm went off right now. Each piece earns its place against a specific step above.

All scenarios · base extinguisher
ABC fire extinguisher (2.5 kg)

One at the companionway, one at the helm, one at the forepeak. ABC-rated covers solids, liquids, and electrical — the three fires you actually have on a boat.

View gear
Galley · Step 3
Wool fire blanket

The right tool for a galley fire — no splash, no chemical residue in the food you'll still need tomorrow. Mounted on the bulkhead by the stove, pull-tab facing you.

View gear
Engine room · Steps 2–3
Automatic engine-room extinguisher

A fixed Sea-Fire (or equivalent) system that auto-discharges when the engine compartment hits 175°F. The hatch stays closed; the procedure runs itself while you take the helm.

View gear
Indicators · earliest warning
Smoke + CO alarm (marine)

One in the saloon, one near the galley, one near the engine room. Marine-rated — the household kind corrodes within a season. CO matters as much as smoke under sail at night.

View gear

SeaWise may earn a small commission on these links — it helps keep the procedures free. We only list gear we'd carry ourselves.

From the fleet

Skipper notes.

No notes yet. If you've run this procedure for real, your note could be the one that helps the next skipper.

+Add a note
The Book

When you can't reach for a screen.

Procedure 04 · Fire · page 28

One of 14 procedures in the SeaWise Emergency Action Guide. Waterproof, two-in-one, mounted within arm's reach of the helm — for the moment the screen is wet, dark, or beside the point.

Bring SeaWise aboard