Final Comments on Fire and Spill Control

Water is the most common and generally most available fire extinguishing agent. Exercise caution in selecting a tire extinguishing methcxl since there are many factors to be considered in any individual case. Water may be ineffective in fighting fires involving some materials much depends on the method of application. Chapter 4 should be consulted for the fire characteristics and behavior of specific chemicals. 

Water is sometimes used to flush spills and to reduce or direct vapors in spill situations. Some chemicals can react 

Chemical specific information on fire properties and chemical reactivity are provided in Chapter 4 for a number of chemicals. 

When responding to an incident involving water-reactive chemicals, take into account the existing conditions such as wind, precipitation, location and accessibility to the incident, as well as the availability of the agents to control the fire or spill. Because of the great number of variables, the decision to use water on fires or spills involving water-reactive materials should be made by an authoritative source. 

Limiting the amount of vapor released from a pool of flammable or corrosive liquids is an operational concern. 

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