Water Fire Extinguisher

We all think that the best way to fight a fire in the home is with water. This is a behavior ingrained in us for ages and in general is a great way to douse a fire. As a result of this many people store water extinguishers or APW (air-pressurized water) extinguishers for use in the event of fire. Sometimes they have a wetting agent mixed with the water to make the water more effective. However these fire extinguishers are categorized as only suitable for fighting fires of ordinary combustible material like wood, paper, cardboard, textiles and other carbonaceous materials. They should never be used to fight grease fires, electrical fires and chemical and liquid fires.

The dangers of using water fire extinguishers in the event of fire in the home include the risk of making a previously small fire into a larger one, the loss of property and the risk of injury or death. Using a water extinguisher in the home is dangerous because of the presence of electrical appliances, wiring, switches and outlets. Common household chemicals may be flammable or combustible liquids and these pose a hazard if using this type of extinguisher in the home.

Fighting a fire involving grease or cooking oils in the kitchen with a water extinguisher is a recipe for disaster. Think of what happens when water hits hot oil, it splatters everywhere. These substances do not mix and the water extinguisher is highly pressurized so the force of the water hitting the burning cooking oils or grease will cause the flames to spread over a larger area. This has an effect like napalm spreading sticky, hot flammable liquid throughout the kitchen.
The use of water to fight electrical fires in the home is extremely dangerous and the risk of electrical shock is great. Water is a conducting agent and may cause electrocution in if used for an electrical fire. In the event of a fire in the presence of electrical distribution equipment like stereo sets, computers, and lamps, outlets and switches this type of extinguisher should not be used.

The presence of household chemicals everywhere in the home, the kitchen, the garage, and bathroom complicates the use of a water extinguisher as a fire suppression tool. Ordinary household products often contain caustic or combustible liquids and when mixed with each other may cause toxic fumes. When these chemicals are hit with the water coupled with the highly pressurized air it can spread the fumes. The flames may spread and the fire get bigger if these fumes happen to be flammable.

Home fires are very dangerous because of the combination of combustible materials present. Water fire extinguishers generate dire consequences if used incorrectly. If the owner is not familiar with its flaws it should not be used as a portable home fire suppression tool.