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There are two key elements of fire combustion and oxygen. If you deprive fire of either then it will extinguish. Another means of containing a fire is to create a fire break wide enough to prevent the flames from bridging the break. Thus water is used to extinguish the combustion of a forest fire as you cannot remove the oxygen. For something like an oil pan or rig fire the method is to starve the fire of oxygen by covering with a towel or using explosives to create a vacuum.
Fires are generally extinguished by removing part of the process that makes them keep going, sometimes called the "fire tetrahedron": fuel, oxygen, heat, chemical reaction.
For example, putting water on a big fire causes the water to turn to steam, which is a cooling process, removing the heat from the fire. Water that gets onto the surface of the fuel also reduces the amount of oxygen available for burning and changes the fuel by raising its ignition temperature. It's harder to light wet fuel than dry fuel.
Some fire extinguishing methods involve "smothering" the fire, i.e. cutting off the supply of oxygen. Carbon dioxide and foam extinguishers are examples of extinguishers that work on this principle. They also absorb much of the heat from the fire, which provides a secondary, lesser fire extinguishing benefit.
Some fire require adding substances to the fire that interrupt the chemical reaction. Most of these are halogenated organics - broadly referred to as Halons. At high temperatures, halons decompose to release halogen atoms that combine readily with active hydrogen atoms, quenching flame propagation reactions even when adequate fuel, oxygen, and heat remain. The preferred halogens are bromine and iodine although chlorine and fluorine can also help quench fires.
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Four firefighters were discussing the number of fires they extinguished for the month of February Rafael extinguished 25 fewer fires than Louis in February William extinguished 50 more fires than?
Four firefighters were discussing the number of fires they extinguished for the month of February. Rafael extinguished 25% fewer fires than Louis in February. William extinguished 50% more fires than Rafael. Albert extinguished 20% fewer fires than Rafael and William combined. If Louis extinguished 6 fires per week, how many fires did all four men extinguish during the entire month?
4 firefighters are talking about number of fires in February Rafuel 25 percent fewer than Lewis?
Four firefighters were discussing the number of fires they extinguished for the month of February. Rafael extinguished 25% fewer fires than Louis in February. William extinguished 50% more fires than Rafael. Albert extinguished 20% fewer fires than Rafael and William combined. If Louis extinguished 6 fires per week, how many fires did all four men extinguish during the entire month?
What type of fire should not be extinguished with water?
Electrical fires should not be extinguished with water, as it can conduct electricity and increase the risk of electrocution. Instead, electrical fires should be put out using a Class C fire extinguisher or by cutting off the power source if safe to do so.
How can a white phosphorus be extinguished?
White phosphorus can be extinguished by smothering the flames with sand, cutting off its oxygen supply. Water should not be used to extinguish white phosphorus fires, as it can react with the chemical and make the fire worse. Firefighters should use caution and appropriate protective gear when dealing with white phosphorus fires.
What type of fire can be put out safely with waterOil engine paper or gas?
Class A fires (wood, paper, cloth) can be extinguished with water.
What class of fire involves the burning of wood and paper?
Class A fires involve the burning of wood, paper, cloth, and other ordinary combustibles. These fires can typically be extinguished with water, foam, or dry chemical extinguishers.
Are Forest fires and smoking related?
Yes, forest fires can be caused by smoking if cigarettes are not properly extinguished or disposed of. Discarded lit cigarettes can ignite dry vegetation, leading to devastating fires in forests or wooded areas. It is important for smokers to be cautious and responsible when discarding cigarettes to prevent accidental wildfires.
How do you extinguish white phosphorus?
White phosphorus can be extinguished by smothering it with a non-flammable material such as sand, covering it with water, or using a Class D fire extinguisher specially designed to handle chemical fires. It's important to handle white phosphorus with care as it can reignite if not completely extinguished.
How fires involving metals are dealt with?
Fires involving metals, such as magnesium or lithium, are typically extinguished using special dry powder extinguishing agents or by smothering the fire with sand or a Class D extinguisher. The key is to avoid using water or regular firefighting foam, as these can react violently with some metal fires. It is important to consult with local fire departments or experts for specific guidance on how to safely extinguish metal fires.
Does a fire have oxygen?
Yes, fires require oxygen to burn. The process of combustion involves the interaction of fuel, heat, and oxygen to sustain the fire. This is why fires can be extinguished by removing any one of these three elements.
Do cigarettes cause forest fires?
Cigarettes can potentially cause forest fires if they are not properly extinguished and disposed of. Discarding cigarette butts in dry and flammable areas can ignite fires, posing a significant risk to forests and natural habitats. It's important to always properly extinguish and dispose of cigarettes in designated ashtrays or fire-safe containers.
How do you stop muck fires?
Muck fires can be stopped by smothering the fire with soil or sand to deprive it of oxygen. Using water can also help to cool down the embers and halt the spread of the fire. It is important to monitor the area for any reignition of the fire and ensure it is fully extinguished.
