Why can't burning gasoline be extinguished with water? Now let's look into this issue. But first, let's find out what gasoline is. This is a liquid that can burn on its own even after you remove the ignition source from it. Flash point - no more than 61 °C. But unlike most other liquids, burning gasoline should never be poured with water. And all because it can lead to an increase in the burning area.
Why can't a burning gasoline be extinguished with water?
Why do you need to pour water on burning objects? Since combustion is a fast process of combining substances with oxygen, your main task is to protect this gas from the object that is burning. By flooding these things with water, you lower their temperature, blocking the path of oxygen to objects. But if gasoline is burning, then water will not help you here. Watering it with it, you will only do harm. Gasoline does not mix with water. It is smaller in weight, so it will only float up, while it will not stop burning. In addition, it will begin to spread further with water, as a result of which the area of \u200b\u200bthe fire will increase.
How to overcome?
How to extinguish gasoline?To extinguish it, you will need to cut off oxygen access to it in another way. It is better to cover the flame with earth or sand. If the fire develops slowly, then first try to cover everything around it so that it does not start to spread further. If a container with gasoline caught fire, then these methods are not suitable. Here you need to act differently - cover the container with a cloth (the denser the better).
What other ways are there to fight?
We figured out why a burning gasoline cannot be extinguished with water, now let's first briefly look at methods that will really help in solving this problem. Then we will describe how to proceed in this case.
In order to extinguish gasoline, as we have already found out, you need to close the access of oxygen to the object that caught fire, because without it it will not burn. You can use a fire extinguisher for this. What kind of fire extinguisher to extinguish gasoline? Powder is suitable for flammable liquids.
Instructions
Gently cover fires with earth or sand so that gasoline does not spill, splash, or fall on nearby objects, otherwise the fire will capture them too. But before doing anything, remove to a safe distance all things that can catch fire and are close to the fire (furniture, curtains, etc.).
Then you will need to sprinkle sand or earth around the burning liquid. Next, fall asleep from the edges to the middle. After you put out the fire, sand (used to put out the fire)becomes toxic, so it will need to be buried away from public places and those where there are plants.
Remember that if you have already managed to put out the fire, then it can safely start again. This can happen if there are burning things nearby or objects that are still smoldering. Vapors from such a fire can also catch fire. Check all places well and fix all problems.
How to put out a burning canister?
Sand or earth can extinguish a fire only if the liquid is spilled on the floor or ground. But if a container of gasoline catches fire, it can do harm. Never throw earth or sand on the canister, so as not to overturn or spill its contents by accident. A dense fabric is better suited in such a situation (for example, a rug, coat, bedspread, etc.). Cover the container, this will help to block the access of air to it. Do not open this canister until it stops burning.
Conclusion
Now you understand why burning gasoline cannot be extinguished with water. We hope that our recommendations have helped you to understand this issue. Be vigilant and avoid fires. After all, it is easier to prevent a problem than to solve it.
