Imagine being one of the earliest humans on Earth. Navigating the world and finding the basic necessities of survival, like food, water, and shelter, would have been a major focus of your time.
Depending on where you lived, fire might have been an essential resource for survival. Except for tropical regions, most parts of the world experience long periods of cold weather that would have been difficult to endure without fire.
Whether you obtained fire from a lightning-struck tree or learned how to create it with flint and kindling, you would have quickly realized that it had more benefits than just providing warmth. For example, cooking over a fire would have made food more appetizing compared to eating it raw.
Even early humans had to learn how to control fire to use it safely. An uncontrolled fire could easily spread to nearby trees and turn a lush forest into an uninhabitable wasteland within hours.
Similarly, modern humans must know how to use fire responsibly. Fire can be useful when it’s contained in a candle wick or used to cook food. However, it becomes dangerous when it engulfs curtains, carpets, and walls.
Accidents involving fire do happen, especially in buildings and homes. To prevent fires from spreading and causing destruction, most structures have one or more fire extinguishers that can be used to quickly put out a fire.
Understanding how fire extinguishers work requires knowledge of how fire itself functions. Fire is the result of a chemical combustion reaction that requires intense heat, oxygen, and fuel, such as wood or gasoline.
Fire extinguishers work by eliminating one or more of these three essential elements of fire. This is usually achieved by applying a substance that cools the burning fuel or displaces the surrounding oxygen.
Typically, fire extinguishers consist of a metal cylinder filled with water or a dry chemical foam or powder that acts as a smothering agent. They function similarly to aerosol cans. When you press a lever, a propellant releases the material inside at high pressure.
When using a fire extinguisher, it’s important to aim the spray of water, foam, or powder at the fuel source rather than the flames. By cooling the fuel source or cutting off its oxygen supply, the fire will be extinguished.
Fire extinguishers are most effective for small fires that can be easily contained. This is because most extinguishers have a limited amount of water, foam, or powder, which can be depleted within seconds when expelled at high pressure. Larger fires require larger equipment and trained professionals.
One common and effective type of fire extinguisher is the water extinguisher. Water rapidly cools fuel sources like wood, paper, and cardboard. However, water is not suitable for all types of fires.
Water should not be used to put out electrical fires or grease fires. Pouring water on an electrical fire can cause electrocution because water is conductive. In the case of a grease fire, water will only spread the hot grease and evaporate without extinguishing the fire.
For electrical fires and fires involving flammable liquids, a different type of extinguisher should be used, such as a carbon dioxide extinguisher or a dry chemical foam or powder extinguisher. These extinguishers contain smothering agents like pure carbon dioxide, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), potassium bicarbonate, or monoammonium phosphate.
These smothering agents displace the oxygen with carbon dioxide, extinguishing the fire. Carbon dioxide extinguishers release pure carbon dioxide gas directly, while dry chemical foams or powders decompose upon contact with the fire, releasing carbon dioxide in the process.
Try It Out
If you want to practice putting out a fire, consider the following activities with a friend or family member:
- Check your home for the presence of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on each level. Make sure all fire extinguishers are properly pressurized and in working order with the help of an adult. Discuss and create a fire safety plan for your home. Write down the plan if you don’t have one already.
- Visit a local home improvement store with an adult and explore the safety section. Look at the different types of fire extinguishers available for sale. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher at home, consider purchasing one. Take note of other home safety products that can help prevent fires.
- Learn more about the variety of fire extinguishers by reading an article about Fire Extinguishing Agents. Think about which types of fire extinguishers are most important for the majority of homes and why.
Wonder Sources
- http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/fire/fire-extinguisher.htm
- http://www.fire-extinguisher101.com/how-work.html
FAQ
1. How does a fire extinguisher work?
A fire extinguisher works by using different methods to suppress or extinguish fires. The most common type of fire extinguisher is the ABC extinguisher, which uses a dry chemical powder to put out fires. When the extinguisher is activated, the powder is expelled under pressure and forms a cloud that smothers the fire, cutting off its oxygen supply. This effectively extinguishes the flames.
2. What are the different types of fire extinguishers?
There are several different types of fire extinguishers, each designed to combat specific types of fires. The most common types include ABC extinguishers (for fires involving ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment), CO2 extinguishers (for electrical fires), and water extinguishers (for fires involving paper, wood, and cloth). There are also specialized extinguishers for kitchen fires, metal fires, and more.
3. How should a fire extinguisher be used?
Using a fire extinguisher correctly is crucial for effective fire suppression. First, remember the acronym “PASS”: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep the nozzle from side to side. Stand a safe distance away from the fire and use short bursts rather than a continuous stream. Aim at the base of the flames, as this is where the fuel source is, and sweep the extinguisher back and forth until the fire is out.
4. How often should fire extinguishers be inspected?
Fire extinguishers should be inspected regularly to ensure they are in proper working condition. The frequency of inspections depends on the type of extinguisher and local regulations, but a general guideline is to have them inspected at least once a year by a certified professional. Additionally, monthly visual inspections should be conducted to check for any signs of damage or tampering. If any issues are found, the extinguisher should be serviced or replaced immediately.
5. Can anyone use a fire extinguisher?
While anyone can use a fire extinguisher in an emergency, it is important to understand how to use it properly. Training and familiarization with the specific type of extinguisher are recommended to ensure effective and safe use. It is also crucial to evaluate the situation and only attempt to extinguish the fire if it is small and contained. If the fire is spreading rapidly or poses a threat to personal safety, it is best to evacuate and call the fire department.
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