How does foam put out a fire?

Answer 1

Normally fires, and hence fire extinguishers, are divided into different categories. While foam is not necessarily the best extinguisher for all types of fires, it has a great advantage as it can be safely used with most types. For example you don't want to use water on a electrical fire as water might short-circuit the device and start another fire. Similarly, using water for combustible fluid (petrol, etc.) is also not a good idea as most of such materials are lighter than water and will rise over and continue to burn. Since it is not always possible to determine the cause of the fire at first glance, many fire extinguishers are usually contain dry powder or foam, which be used for almost any type of fire.

Answer 2

For a fire fuel, oxygen and heat are needed forming the fire triangle, removal of any of these will result in the removal of the fire. The fire blanket will cover the fire and prevent oxygen from getting to it so that the fire cannot burn. What little oxygen is trapped under the fire blanket will quickly turn to carbon dioxide as the fire burns out.

Answer 3

Foam spreads easily and can form an effective barrier between the burning object and oxygen. Combustion needs oxygen to continue, so when foam blocks it, the fire dies out.

Answer 4

Fire requires 3 factors to exist: Oxygen Fuel Heat If you add the foam, it take up the area around the fire, displacing the oxygen, thus causing the fire to go out.

Answer 5

By cutting off the availability of free oxygen, needed for fire.

Answer 6

The foam cuts off the oxygen supply to the fire.

Answer 7

BIG ones