Whatever the cause of the fire, it always begins and develops according to a certain scenario, and there are reasons of a physical nature. In any fire, several stages can be distinguished. The correct firefighting tactics depend on what phase it is in, as well as the means available.
Natural disaster scenario
Let us consider in more detail the phases of the fire. In the initial stage, the fire spreads to all possible space, flammable materials found in the flame zone flare up. The speed of fire propagation, as well as its temperature, is still low. At the end of the first phase, the pillar of fire reaches its maximum height and can spread to neighboring buildings. Separate centers of the fire merge together.
In the second stage, all or almost all combustible substances are destroyed and the supporting structures of buildings are destroyed. In the final, third phase, the remains of everything that is capable of burning are burned out, after which the building collapses. In terms of radiation intensity and fire temperature, the flame is weaker than in the middle of the fire.
How can I put out a fire in an open place
The tactics of extinguishing forest fires are different. It is possible to take a burning section into a ring with its gradual narrowing, annealing the oncoming strip. Sometimes mounds, trenches or canals with water are arranged. This option is most often used in situations of extensive peat fires, when protective channels are dug around the perimeter of the burning site.
If a fire occurred in an open space, but not in a forest, abundantly water the surrounding area, and the fire itself is brought down by improvised means, such as brooms.
If the fire has managed to spread over a vast territory, it will be eliminated by isolation or cooling of individual sections. For example, in the case of a forest fire - by the method of phased localization of areas of fire. If combustible containers are ignited, each of them must be isolated from the others.
Lit apartment or office
How can I put out a fire in an office or any public place? It is eliminated with the help of hydrants and fire extinguishers, which, according to fire safety standards, must be available in all office buildings. Also apply any bulk materials - earth, sand, etc.
Those inside the building at the time of the fire should remember that in the first phase of ignition, smoldering materials intensively emit invisible carbon monoxide, which is very dangerous. At this point, the risk of poisoning is great. It is necessary to have time to leave the building before the structure collapses.
How can I put out a fire in an apartment? If the fire is strong, it is better not to rely on your own strength, call firefighters and quickly leave the room. In a small fire, you can use some household products.
Curtains in flames should be quickly torn, trampled underfoot and thrown into a bath of water. If fire is rapidly spreading in a certain direction, when extinguishing it is necessary to move towards it, and not after it - it is easier to deal with it. Thick smoke with a pungent odor, breaking out from under the door into a closed burning room, indicates a lack of oxygen emitted during combustion. Such a fire will soon go out without outside interference. It is required to plug the slots even more tightly with a wet cloth. At the same time, windows cannot be opened - oxygen will cause a new attack of fire.
About fire extinguishers and not only
Fire extinguishers are a classic fire fighting tool. Each of them is intended for a certain class of fire. Class A is designed to extinguish standard combustible materials - paper, wood, household waste. Class B - for liquids that are flammable (gasoline, paint, grease). Class C fire extinguishers eliminate fires caused by electrical wiring closures, and Class D can handle flammable metals such as aluminum. In order not to aggravate the situation, one should clearly understand what cannot and can extinguish a fire of various types. It is advisable to always have a small fire extinguisher at home and keep it in a conspicuous place.
The simplest and most affordable means at hand is water. It acts quickly, it is easy to dial, it is effective in class A fires, when garbage, paper, cloth, wood or plastic burns. But it can never be used if spilled liquids are burning - the addition of water causes lubrication and intensifies the fire. If the wiring is shorted, wetting the fire can cause electric shock.
That is why it is important to know how to extinguish a fire when the wiring is on. In the event of a fire of a household appliance, it is necessary to immediately turn off the power supply, throw a thick blanket over the equipment that is on fire, then pour foam from the fire extinguisher.
If the kitchen caught fire
How can I put out the fire that broke out in the kitchen? An affordable household fire extinguishing agent is ordinary baking soda, a packet of which is available in every home. It will help with a fire on the stove.
If food breaks out in a pan or pan, the lid from the same utensil with a heat-resistant handle is ideal for stewing. Quickly closing the lid on a lit container, stop the flow of oxygen to the flame. Salt also helps out when ignited on a stove or in the oven. Its chemical composition promotes heat dissipation and oxygen absorption.
How can I put out a fire if the house does not have a fire extinguisher? Any fabrics, blankets, curtains and towels will help bring down the flame and limit the access of oxygen. They are especially often used if clothes and hair on another person have caught fire. Dense tissue should be quickly wrapped around the victim or wrapped around the body.
If at hand there is soil without combustible organic materials, it can also be a good fire extinguishing agent. It is better to put out large fires with sand than with soil, since it is drier. But when extinguishing combustible metals, sand is not reliable enough.
Large containers with the most ordinary beer are also suitable, they will need to be shaken until foam is formed. In this way, you can put out a fire on the grill or a car engine suddenly bursting out. Sometimes just a few cans are enough. In the general case, to extinguish a fire, especially a small one, any liquid containing a large amount of water — even urine — is suitable.