10 Effective Ways to Put Out a Gas Fire: Expert Tips for Class B Fires

Gas fires, classified as Class B fires, present a unique challenge due to their volatile nature and the use of flammable liquids or gases as a fuel source. Properly extinguishing these fires requires not only specialized techniques but also an understanding of the science behind fire suppression mechanisms. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for handling gas fires safely and effectively, highlighting 10 proven strategies used by experts to mitigate risks and control fire outbreaks. Whether you’re a safety professional, first responder, or simply looking to expand your fire safety knowledge, this guide offers detailed, actionable advice tailored to Class B fire scenarios.

What are the immediate steps to take when encountering a gas fire?

Evacuating the area safely

When encountering a gas fire, my priority is ensuring a safe evacuation of the area. I would quickly assess the situation to determine the fire’s size and spread while avoiding panic. Maintaining a calm demeanor, I guide everyone to evacuate to a designated safe area, following the shortest route that keeps us upwind of the fire to reduce exposure to toxic fumes. If indoors, I ensure doors are closed on the way out to slow the fire’s progression.

In regards to ensuring safety while evacuating the area, there are multiple factors that I would say are fairly important.

• Evacuation: The National Fire Protection Association infers that in a gas fire it is best to refrain from getting closer than 300 Entire feet away from it.
• Toxic Fumes: While trying to evacuate the area it is important to direct the way away from the tar to avoid inhalation of smoke emittance and Methane gases if the fire ever first broke out.
• Emergency Response: As ideal as it is for everyone to remain calm and composed it is best to call for support. Get in touch with someone at 911 or another local fire station along with addressing them where the fire is as well as hazards that may be present i.e., gas pipelines and tanks.

Remaining composed and acting promptly is critical to ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

Contacting emergency services

Speaking to emergency responders also calls for a calm approach, directly relaying facts and providing sufficient information. Specifically, I would begin by giving the exact place of the fire, especially the street name together with the house number and any notable features so that the rescue team can locate the scene without wasting any time. Then, I would explain how devastating the fire is, which parts of the house the kitchen or the garage it has hit, and whether there is a risk of the fire spreading to other buildings or not. If the gas or fuel tanks are present, then I would provide the necessary information regarding them.

• Gas line pressure pressure if known: This enables an assessment as to the level of the threat of an explosion along with the subsequent danger of fire spreading.
• Specifications of the tank and its content: Where fuel tanks are involved contain the gallons of the content like 100 gallons of propane or gasoline.
• Hazardous materials disclaimers: Particularly disclose chemicals and other items that are flammable and are possibly within reach of the fire.
• Access points: This relates to doors and other openings that facilitate the ingress of fire personnel into the building or area.

The provision of this information ensures that any altercations caused by the fire are taken care of quickly.

How to use a fire extinguisher to put out a gas fire?

Choosing the right type of extinguisher for Class B fires

When dealing with Class B fire extinguishers, where, said fires are predominant in liquids including oil, gasoline, or propane, I would go for a foam extinguisher (AF), carbon dioxide extinguisher (CO2), or a dry chemical extinguisher. Each possesses special qualities that apply to such fires:

• Foam: These are efficient because they blanket the fire with a foam layer which also hinders re-ignition of the fire by shielding the fuel from coming in contact with air. Such extinguishers can be utilized to spill liquids on a large area as they are quite efficient.
• Carbon Dioxide: Suitable for relatively smaller class B fires, CO2 extinguishers puts out fires by eliminating Oxygen from the vicinity of the fire. CO2 extinguishers also do not leave any residue behind hence, they are ideal for use in places with delicate apparatus but are not suitable for outdoor and highly ventilated areas as they are ineffective. It is also possible to use this device in badly ventilated places.
• Dry Chemical: However, these are adaptable and highly effective, disrupting the chemical processes of the fire triangle. Its chemical composition most of the time comprising of mono ammonium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate guarantees that the chemicals provided extinguish the fire quickly and are applicable to liquid fires of any kind.

Before making my choice, I would look at the extinguisher in the context of the fire hazard. This includes the extinguisher’s capacity, its discharge time which ranges between 8-20 seconds, and its operating distance which is approximately 5-20 feet for most portable units. The selection has to be aligned with NFPA standards and or other local standards that have relevance to fire protection.

The PASS technique for using a fire extinguisher

PASS is an acronym that stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep, and it could be used as a great tool to aid in fire management. For this acronym, every single alphabet corresponds to a step on how to properly use the fire extinguisher in a safe manner.

• Pull: The pin that prevents the handle from being pushed is also designed to prevent the handle from being pressed, as it must be removed first. The safety pin or locking mechanism which is positioned at the top of the fire extinguisher should be taken out. This step ensures that the extinguisher is ready for operation.
• Aim: Measure the target of this discharge quite carefully and aim at the base of the fire instead of the flames themselves by the nozzle or horn which is a better option. Giving up the flames would not work, focusing on the base is important since this is where the fuel source is located, and cutting it off will basically cut the fire off from being able to sustain itself.
• Squeeze: Apply sufficient pressure on the lever to release the extinguishing agent and give it enough power. This should not be done excessively as every portable fire extinguisher should hold charge between 8-20 seconds. Lastly, steady and controlled application of force only augments the effectiveness ensuring a controlled discharge of the agent.
• Sweep: Maintain a sweeping motion side-wise, at the fire base. This motion must be repeated until the fire goes out completely or the extinguisher used is empty. Ensure that a safe distance of around 5-20 feet depending on the specification of the unit, is maintained to ensure adequate coverage while being safe.

Each parameter must be justified based on the fire’s potential scale and intensity, ensuring the extinguisher’s suitability for effective fire suppression while keeping safety a top priority.

What alternative methods can be used to extinguish a gas fire?

Smothering techniques: Fire blankets and baking soda

To extinguish a gas fire, I would personally employ the use of fire blankets or even baking powder, which due to their unique properties can cut off the supply of oxygen and extinguish the flames.

1. Fire Blankets:

• Material Properties: They are manufactured from fire-resistant elements such as Kevlar or fiberglass which can withstand fire up to 1000 degrees.
• Application: It prevents the fire from breathing and extinguishes it by smothering the flames.
• Justification: This method seems to be appropriate for a small gas fire outbreak, for instance, in kitchens and laboratories with a limited amount of flammable substances.

2. Baking Soda:

• Chemical Reaction: When heated baking soda changes to sodium bicarbonate and gives off carbon dioxide, which in turn cuts off the oxygen supply to the fire.
• Application: The reaction is enough to spray the fire in a focused manner, sprinkling should be done gingerly which will ensure the suppression of the flames.
• Justification: This type of fire suppression is more efficient when we have smaller fires that are easily managed due to the type of reaction.

Both methods rely on eliminating oxygen from the fire triangle, making them reliable alternatives for minor gas fire incidents without the need for pressurized fire suppression units.

Using foam or dry powder extinguishers

Foam and dry powder extinguishers are effective on fires involving gases as they are able to suppress oxygen and in some cases stop the chemical reaction altogether.

• Foam Extinguishers: these are effective on fires involving flammable liquids and gas by covering the fire and preventing the fire from reaching oxygen.
• Application: Spray at the base of the fire to cover the affected area with foam and ensure that the fire is completely covered.
• Justification: When properly applied, the foam not only cools the fuel but also smothers the surfaces of the fuel and prevents the fire from being rekindled.
• Dry Powder Extinguishers: This type of extinguisher is ideal for fires involving flammable gas since it removes oxygen by forming an inert layer.
• Application: In order to achieve the desired powder spread, aim the nozzle at the fire and pull the trigger in short bursts.
• Justification: The use of powder suppresses the gas or flame as it uses less chemical activity to put off the fire.

Both solutions do have merits but depending on the needs of the situation, foam is best on spills involving liquid and gas, and dry powder is best when dealing with gas combustions.

The role of carbon dioxide in extinguishing gas fires

CO2 is extremely important for the extinguishing of gas fires because it suffocates the fire triangle which consists of heat, fuel, and oxygen. CO2 when used extinguishes fire as it spawns a thick inert layer that surrounds fire and diminishes the zone that combusts. The CO2 which was used can stay on the surface because of the low temperature so it does not require much effort to put out. CO2 is very efficient because it is nonreactive and dense, these two factors help the gas to serve its purpose.

• Volume: The fire extinguisher contains 2.5 kg of CO2 which when used in the form of a spray can help put out the fire efficiently. In the pressurized container where carbon dioxide is stored the density is around 1.98 kg m² meters at sea level which is lower than seawater, hence the gas sits below the oxygen and smothers fire.
• Volume ratio: The fire extinguisher triggers when the zone in which CO2 is mixed with or rather displaced oxygen turns out to be between roughly thirty to forty depending on other elements of the gas and heat source.
• Pressure: When CO2 is stored it occupies far less space even at room temperature. This results in a variation in the heat caused due to embedded thermal molecules or atoms.

These characteristics allow CO2 to be effective in small or confined spaces, however, It does dilute quite rapidly in use so it would not be a wise decision to use it outdoors.

How to prevent gas fires from occurring in the first place?

Regular maintenance of gas appliances

To avoid fires caused by gas, it is very important that gas appliances are maintained properly. I make it a point to schedule regular inspections done by licensed practitioners who can identify possible outbreaks or defects. Keeping the appliances clean and free of fume accumulation would also help minimize the dangers associated with blockage or poor ventilation.

Ensure that gas pressure does not exceed or is less than the required levels stated by the manufacturer. This maintains a constant natural gas supply through the appliances without surges.

Thermocouples or flame sensors must be checked to verify that they are capable of stopping the gas supply in situations where flames go off.

An optimal gas ratio must be achieved and therefore the ventilation system must allow the supply of sufficient air in order to avoid conditions that allow incomplete combustion to occur which can result in the production of CO.

These precautionary measures—help me maintain a safe and efficient household, minimizing the likelihood of gas fires.

Creating a fire safety plan for your home or workplace

The formulation of the overall fire safety plan entails a systematic approach to dealing with escape routes, fire detection instruments and devices, and fire suppression tools. First of all, I have to make sure that there are easily identifiable and reachable exits, with at least two escape routes from every major room. These will also depend on the country’s building bylaws, which provide a minimum of thirty-six inches clearance on the widths of the primary means of egress.

I am required to install detectors of smoke in every targeted area especially in and around the sleeping rooms and in areas at risk such as the kitchen. Such requirements ought to be made in accordance with UL 217 so that they are most effective. They also need to have a monthly maintenance check and a battery change of at least once a year or per manufacturer instructions.

Equipping my residence or work setting with adequate fire extinguishers also comes as important. The common type of fire extinguishers I would go for include the ‘ABC’ type since they are suitable for ordinary combustible materials, flammable liquids as well as electrical fires. According to NFPA 10 recommendations extinguishers should be mounted on walls or fixed every 75 feet horizontal travel distance in buildings with class A hazards and in the case of class B hazards every 50 feet.

At last, I will elaborate a precise evacuation with helpful information for every occupant and organize fire drills on a regular basis so that people are accustomed to the processes. Notably, this plan will provide details concerning the location of the fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and assembly points. By doing these I am able to greatly reduce the chances of a fire breaking out and guarantee all occupants’ security.

What should you do after successfully extinguishing a gas fire?

Ensuring the area is safe to re-enter

Once I successfully douse a gas fire I will carry out the following actions to guarantee that the area is free of re-entry hazards.

• Ventilation: As a matter of priority, I will ventilate the affected area by opening windows and, if need be, employing exhaust fans. This will help eliminate residual gas, smoke, or other toxic elements that can be dangerous when inhaled.
• Gas Detection: I will use a portable gas detection device to ascertain whether there are pockets of gas still available within the area. OSHA standards develop acceptable gas levels that are maintained below the permissible exposure limits for a safe re-entry.
• Temperature Assessment: I will check the area with an infrared thermometer or a thermal imaging device to look for remaining centers of heat. The surfaces in the area have to be cool to the touch lest the fire starts again.
• Equipment Inspection: I will check the fire suppression systems and extinguishers that were used during the incident to ensure that they are undamaged and that they do not leak any hazardous materials.
• Professional Clearance: For instance, In order to avoid any undue loss I will not allow re-entry of personnel if there is a gas leakage, and speak only with certified safety professionals or the fire brigade who are the sole people to provide one with a non-fragile environment.

Following these measures, I can say with certainty that the environmental safety hazards will not be accompanied by additional fire-related risks.

Contacting utility companies and professionals for inspection

As soon as I call the appropriate utility providers to check the conditions of the systems such as gas, electricity, and water, I will conduct a thorough examination of the site after the fire. Since the utility workers are qualified and trained in the field, they have the tools that are necessary to determine the existence of dangers. For example:

• Gas Line Inspection: Gas Lines often require a gas technician who is certified and equipped with the necessary gas leak detectors to be able to examine the lines for signs of damage. Post-inspection pressure test results must be homogeneous and in accordance with the relevant set specified design specifications as well as ensuring readings indicate no detectable leaks per million (ppm) measure.
• Electrician work and Electrical Systems: An electrician will be verifying that no electrical components have any circuitry breakage that could short short-circuited. The measurement of loss in resistance will be estimated to ensure that the National Electrical Code requirements are addressed, whereas the loss of insulation resistance does not go below the set limit of 1MΩ when Hi-pot testing at 500V.
• Water Circulation System Maintenance: The plumbing expert will have to perform an examination for any high temperature, wastage, or contamination of aids in the water circulation system. Also, confirm that the pressure is at a standard working range between 40 and 60 psi and that the substance is up to the required health standards.

Partnerships with these utility companies aid in risk identification and resolution including detailed technical documentation. Even for serious events, however, I will order the structural engineers to investigate the scene by shifting the space to safety. Such measures are important for environmental and occupational safety.

Reference sources

Fire extinguisher

Fire

Combustibility and flammability

Gas Fire Extinguishing System for sale

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is a Class B fire and how does it differ from other types of fires?

A: A Class B fire involves flammable liquids or gases, such as gasoline, propane, or natural gas. It differs from Class A fires (ordinary combustibles like wood or paper), Class C fires (electrical fires), and Class D fires (combustible metals). Class B fires require specific extinguishing methods and should never be treated with water.

Q: What are the first steps to put out a gas fire?

A: The first steps to put out a gas fire are: 1) Ensure your safety and others around you. 2) If possible, shut off the gas supply. 3) Call 911 or your local fire department immediately. 4) Only attempt to extinguish the fire if it’s small and you have the proper equipment. Never risk your safety to put out a fire.

Q: Can I use water to extinguish a gas fire?

A: No, never use water to extinguish a gas fire. Water can spread the fire and make it worse. Gas fires are Class B fires, and water is ineffective and dangerous for this class. Instead, use a dry chemical fire extinguisher, foam, or carbon dioxide to smother the fire and cut off its oxygen supply.

Q: How do I safely put out a natural gas fire?

A: To safely put out a natural gas fire: 1) Turn off the gas supply if possible and safe to do so. 2) Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher to smother the fire. 3) If the fire is small, you can use baking soda or salt to smother it. 4) Never use water. 5) If you can’t control the fire quickly, evacuate immediately and call the fire department.

Q: What type of fire extinguisher should I use for a gas fire?

A: For a gas fire, which is a Class B fire, you should use a dry chemical fire extinguisher. These are typically rated for Class B and C fires. CO2 extinguishers can also be effective. Look for extinguishers labeled with “B” or “BC” ratings. Never use water-based extinguishers (Class A) on gas fires.

Q: How can I prevent gas fires in my home?

A: To prevent gas fires: 1) Regularly inspect gas appliances and lines. 2) Install natural gas detectors. 3) Ensure proper ventilation. 4) Never store flammable liquids near gas appliances. 5) Educate family members on gas safety. 6) Know how to shut off your gas supply. 7) Schedule professional inspections annually. 8) Recognize the smell of gas and act quickly if you detect a leak.

Q: What should I do if I smell gas but don’t see a fire?

A: If you smell gas but don’t see a fire: 1) Do not turn on/off any electrical switches or create sparks. 2) Open windows and doors for ventilation. 3) If safe, turn off the gas supply. 4) Evacuate the area immediately. 5) Once outside, call your gas company or 911. 6) Do not re-enter until professionals have declared it safe. Treating potential gas leaks seriously can prevent fires and explosions.

Q: How do I put out a gasoline fire?

A: To put out a gasoline fire: 1) Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher rated for Class B fires. 2) If the fire is small, you can use baking soda or salt to smother it. 3) Never use water, as it can spread the fire. 4) If possible, remove nearby flammable materials to prevent the fire from spreading. 5) If you can’t control the fire quickly, evacuate and call 911 immediately.