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If You Discover a Fire ...

Learn what to do if you discover a fire.

Report all fires/explosions to UCPD by calling 911 even if the fire is/was extinguished.

Large fire

  • Pull the fire alarm and call for help.
    • Campus phones: call 911
    • Other phones: call (858) 534-4357
    • UC San Diego Health: call Security at 6111
  • Alert people in the area to begin evacuation. Assist those with disabilities.
  • Close doors to confine the fire.
  • Go to your designated assembly area, away and upwind from the building.
  • Have people who know about the nature and location of the fire assist emergency personnel when they arrive.

Small fire (trash can size)

  • Pull the fire alarm and call for help.
    • Campus phones: call 911
    • Other phones: call (858) 534-4357
    • UC San Diego Health: call Security at 6111
  • Alert people in the area to begin evacuation. Assist those with disabilities.
  • If you know how to use a fire extinguisher and have a clear exit path behind you, bring the extinguisher within 6 feet of the fire.
  • Use the P-A-S-S procedure to operate the extinguisher:
    P-A-S-S procedure to operate the extinguisher in case of a small fire
    Pull the pin Pull the pin in the extinguisher's handle.
    Aim the nozzle Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
    Squeeze the handles Squeeze (or press) the handles together.
    Sweep side to side Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it is out.
Take a fire extinguisher training course to learn more.

After the fire

Report all fires/explosions to UCPD by calling 911 even if the fire is/was extinguished.

After the fire has been completely extinguished:

  • Report used extinguishers immediately.
    • Campus:
      Facilities Management Service Referral Desk, (858) 534-2930
    • UC San Diego Medical Center-Hillcrest:
      Facilities Engineering Help Desk, (619) 543-6454
    • UC San Diego Medical Center-Thornton:
      Facilities Engineering Help Desk, (858) 657-6400
  • Fill out the Fire Incident Form to notify the Fire Marshal of the incident.
  • If injuries or damage occurred, notify the Risk Management Office, (858) 534-3820
For more information, contact EH&S Fire & Life Safety, (858) 534-3659.

In case of fire, your first responsibility is to escape unharmed and sound the alarm