An electric arc extinguishing apparatus for a molded case circuit breaker is provided. A first set of arc splitter plates (30) directs into a first flow channel (32) a flow of gases formed during an arcing event. A second set of arc splitter plates (40) directs into a second flow channel (42) a further flow of gases formed during the arcing event. A baffle (46) establishes flow channel separation between the first and second flow channels. This arrangement provides gas flow velocity that is relatively uniform throughout the arc stack and efficiently and reliably removes heat from the hot gas flow since every arc splitter plate effectively contributes to the cooling of the gas flow. Additionally, the electric arc is efficiently blown and distributed into each of the arc splitter plate gaps, resulting in higher arc voltage and improved arc extinguishing performance.