What Should Not Be Used to Extinguish a Vehicle Fuel Fire?
3 Answers
When a vehicle fuel fire occurs, water should not be used for extinguishing. Below are relevant details about fuel fires: 1. Reason: Water should not be used to extinguish a vehicle fuel fire because fuel is lighter than water. When water comes into contact with fuel, it fails to cover the fuel and instead carries the fuel, spreading the flames further. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are also unsuitable as they are not effective in non-enclosed spaces. 2. Precautions: In the event of an engine fire, the driver should quickly stop the vehicle, allow passengers to exit by opening the doors, then cut off the power supply, retrieve the onboard fire extinguisher, and aim it directly at the base of the flames to extinguish the fire.
When encountering an emergency situation of vehicle fuel fire, you must never use ordinary water to extinguish it. Because water is heavier than oil, pouring water will not cool the fuel but instead disperse it, causing the fire to spread rapidly over a larger area. The oil will float on the water's surface and continue to burn. Additionally, when water comes into contact with the high-temperature oil surface, it will quickly vaporize, causing a steam explosion that expands the fire's range and endangers surrounding people and objects. The correct approach is to use a dry powder or foam fire extinguisher to directly cover the oil surface and cut off the oxygen supply. Remember, safety first—if the fire is out of control, immediately move away from the scene and call 119 for help. Preventive measures include regularly inspecting the vehicle's fuel system to avoid oil leaks that could cause fires. This knowledge is often emphasized in driver training and is worth the attention and learning of all vehicle owners to ensure driving safety is foolproof.
I must remind everyone that if you see a car fuel fire, never pour water directly into it. I learned this in driving school - fuel is a flammable liquid, and pouring ordinary water on it will have the opposite effect. It won't extinguish the fire but instead cause the fuel to spread and burn elsewhere, making the fire bigger and more dangerous. I used to think a small bucket of water could handle it, but that would actually make the situation uncontrollable. A better choice is to find a dry powder fire extinguisher and spray the powder evenly on the flames, or use specialized automotive fire sand to cover the fire source. It's important to keep a Class B fire extinguisher in your car for emergencies - it can save lives. In short, safe driving is no joke. Understanding these basics can prevent unnecessary tragedies from happening to us. Everyone should pay attention to loose fuel caps while driving to reduce fire risks.
