Despite the fact that water is the most affordable means for extinguishing fires, there are cases when its use can have catastrophic consequences. It is strictly forbidden to extinguish with water, ignited fats, oils, electric equipment, alkaline metals and flammable liquids.
“In each of these cases, water may not only help, but also significantly complicate the situation,” the publication emphasized.
Oils and fats
Most often, such fires are faced with cuisines of catering enterprises, in private houses and industries, where technical oils are used. When burning oil is trying to extinguish with water, instantaneous steam formation occurs, and hot liquid spreads to a large area.
The temperature of burning oil can reach 400 ° C, and water, when contacting it, instantly turns into steam, increasing in a volume of 1.7 thousand times.
Electric equipment
Water is a conductor of electric current, so its use for stewing electrical appliances under voltage creates a mortal danger. Even after turning off the power supply in the devices, charged capacitors can remain in the devices that pose a danger for a long time.
Alkaline metals
Sodium, potassium, lithium and other alkaline metals when in contact with water form alkaline solutions and release hydrogen – gas that is easily ignited and can explode. This chemical reaction is accompanied by the release of a large amount of heat, which will only enhance the fire.
Flammable liquids
The density of gasoline, kerosene, solvents and other oil products is less than the density of water, so during the fire they always pop up on its surface, continuing to burn. In addition, a water jet can spread a burning liquid over considerable distances, increasing the area of the fire.
Context
If the fire starts, do not make these fatal mistakes.
