Why water cannot be used to extinguish petrol fires

Because water is heavier than oil, it cannot put out fires caused by burning fuel and oil. It falls below the oil particles and is unable to lower the ignition temperature of the substance or shut off the supply of oxygen to the fire.

Besides, the existing temperature is so high that the water poured on the fire evaporates even before it can extinguisher the fire. The latter is true if small quantity water is poured. Thus the petrol fire cannot be extinguished by water.

Why can’t water be used to extinguish fires? – Quora

Water makes a mess, so it cannot be used where the dumping of water would spread out burning fuel. If there was a burning oil in a kitchen, the water would spread the oil and the oil would float over the water and continue to burn, …

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When we are applying water on a petrol fire, we cannot stop the supply of the basic three elements which are oxygen, fuel and heat. Since water is heavier than petrol, petrol will come above the water and continue the contact with the atmosphere (oxygen). Already the existing temperature of the atmosphere will be high due to the fire, most of the water poured will …

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Can petrol fire be extinguished by water?

Thus the petrol fire cannot be extinguished by water. Was this answer helpful? 0 0 Similar questions How water helps in extinguishing fire? Easy View solution What kinds of fire extinguishers are most often used for extinguishing an electrical fire?

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How effective is water as a fire extinguisher?

Sometimes water can be combined with a chemical fire extinguisher to be effective. Using water on some types of fires such as metal of grease can create an explosive condition. Other than wood or paper, consult with an expert before using water on a fire.

Why does water put out fire faster than petrol?

As water is heavier than petrol therefore slips down permitting the petrol to rise to the surface and continue to burn. Besides, the existing temperature is so high that the water poured on the fire evaporates even before it can extinguisher the fire.

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What is used to extinguish the fire?

In general water is used to extinguish the fire there’re water based fire extinguisher system such as sprinkler , stand pipe , deluge and pre action systems. And there’re also other extinguishing systems such as clean agent system ..

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DO YOU KNOW! The Petrol Fire Cannot be Extinguished by Water Video Answer


Reference:
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher

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