Fire emergencies happen quickly, leaving little time to decide what to do next. That’s why many organizations teach employees the RACE fire safety procedure—a simple acronym that helps people respond safely and consistently during the first moments of a fire emergency.
RACE stands for:
- R — Rescue
- A — Alert
- C — Confine
- E — Extinguish or Evacuate
Whether you work in an office, healthcare facility, warehouse, manufacturing plant, or retail environment, understanding RACE can help protect lives while reducing panic during an emergency.
This guide explains each step of the RACE procedure, when employees should attempt to use a fire extinguisher, and the different classes of workplace fires.
What Does RACE Stand For?
| Letter | Meaning | Purpose |
| R | Rescue | Remove people from immediate danger if it is safe to do so. |
| A | Alert | Notify emergency responders and activate alarms. |
| C | Confine | Slow the spread of fire and smoke. |
| E | Extinguish or Evacuate | Fight only small fires if safe; otherwise evacuate immediately. |
Each step builds on the previous one, creating a simple process employees can remember under stress.
R — Rescue
The first priority during any fire is protecting people.
If someone is in immediate danger and you can help without putting yourself at risk, assist them to safety.
While rescuing others:
- Help anyone who cannot evacuate on their own.
- Warn nearby coworkers.
- Direct people toward emergency exits.
- Never enter heavy smoke or burning areas.
- Never risk becoming another victim.
Remember that your own safety always comes first. If conditions become dangerous, evacuate immediately.
A — Alert
Once people are safe, alert emergency responders immediately.
Do not assume another employee has already called.
Follow your organization’s emergency procedures:
- Call your local emergency number.
- Activate the building fire alarm.
- Notify security or your supervisor.
- Clearly communicate:
- Fire location
- Type of fire
- Whether anyone is trapped or injured
Early notification allows emergency responders to reach the scene sooner while giving occupants time to evacuate safely.
C — Confine
Fire spreads rapidly through open doors, hallways, and ventilation systems.
If it is safe to do so, help contain the fire by:
- Closing doors behind you
- Closing windows if appropriate
- Turning off equipment or gas valves if safe
- Keeping people away from affected areas
- Never using elevators during evacuation
Confining the fire helps slow the spread of smoke and flames, buying valuable time for everyone to evacuate.
E — Extinguish or Evacuate
This is the step employees misunderstand most.
You should only attempt to extinguish a fire if ALL of the following are true:
- The fire is smaller than a trash can.
- You have already called emergency services.
- You have the correct extinguisher.
- You have a clear escape route behind you.
- The fire is not spreading rapidly.
- You feel confident using the extinguisher.
If any of these conditions are not met, evacuate immediately.
Never stay to fight a fire that is growing, producing heavy smoke, or blocking your exit.
Before Using a Fire Extinguisher
Before attempting to extinguish any fire:
✔ Call the fire department first.
✔ Verify the fire is small.
✔ Ensure you have a safe escape route.
✔ Confirm you have the correct extinguisher.
Many workplace injuries occur because employees attempt to fight fires that have already become too large.
Remember:
Property can be replaced. People cannot.
Fire Extinguisher Classes Explained
Not all extinguishers work on every type of fire.
Using the wrong extinguisher can make a fire worse or even cause an explosion or electrocution.
| Fire Class | Used For | Examples |
| Class A | Ordinary combustibles | Paper, wood, cardboard, cloth |
| Class B | Flammable liquids | Gasoline, oil, paint, solvents |
| Class C | Electrical equipment | Computers, wiring, electrical panels |
| Class D | Combustible metals | Magnesium, titanium, sodium |
| Class K | Cooking oils and grease | Commercial kitchens |
Many offices use ABC extinguishers, which safely handle the three most common workplace fire types.
Employees should always verify the extinguisher matches the fire before attempting to use it.
RACE vs. PASS: What’s the Difference?
People often confuse the RACE and PASS fire safety acronyms.
They serve different purposes.
RACE tells employees what to do during a fire emergency.
PASS explains how to operate a fire extinguisher.
PASS stands for:
- Pull the pin
- Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handle
- Sweep side to side
Think of it this way:
- RACE = Emergency response
- PASS = Fire extinguisher operation
Many workplace fire safety training programs teach both because they work together.
Common Mistakes During Workplace Fires
Employees should avoid these common errors:
- Assuming someone else called emergency services.
- Using an elevator.
- Attempting to fight a large fire.
- Blocking exit routes.
- Opening doors containing heavy smoke.
- Returning to retrieve personal belongings.
- Using the wrong extinguisher.
Practicing emergency procedures before an incident helps reduce these mistakes.
Why Fire Safety Training Matters
Reading emergency procedures once a year isn’t enough.
Employees retain more information when they regularly practice emergency response through realistic scenarios and interactive training.
Effective workplace fire safety training helps employees:
- Recognize hazards earlier.
- Respond calmly under pressure.
- Know when evacuation is the safest option.
- Use extinguishers correctly.
- Protect coworkers during emergencies.
- Meet workplace safety and compliance expectations.
When every employee understands the RACE protocol, organizations improve emergency preparedness while reducing confusion during critical moments.
Final Thoughts
The RACE fire safety procedure gives employees a simple framework for responding during the critical first moments of a fire. Knowing when to rescue others, alert emergency responders, confine the fire, and decide whether to extinguish or evacuate can help protect lives while reducing panic.
The best way to prepare employees isn’t simply memorizing an acronym—it’s practicing how to apply these steps in realistic workplace situations through regular fire safety training.
Emtrain’s workplace safety microlessons use realistic video scenarios and practical guidance to help employees build confidence before an emergency happens. Organizations can deliver individual lessons or combine them into a comprehensive safety learning program tailored to their workforce.
