Editing Fire control (section)

== Class-B fires ==
Many Class B fires (hydrocarbons, [[petroleum]], and similar fuels) cannot be efficiently controlled with water because fuels with a density less than water (such as [[gasoline]] or [[oil]]) float on top, resulting in the fire continuing to burn. In addition, the heat of an intense fire may cause water to flash into steam in an explosion which can spread the flaming fuel more widely.

The configuration of some fuels, such as [[coal]] and baled waste paper, may result in a deep-seated and burrowing fire, resulting in less effective fire control by the application of water on the outer surfaces of the fuel.<ref name="Mitrokostas">{{Cite web|last=Mitrokostas|first=Sophia|title=The 5 types of fires and how experts say you should put them out|url=https://www.insider.com/types-of-fires-and-how-to-put-them-out-2018-12|access-date=2020-10-08|website=Insider}}</ref> Class B fires should be extinguished with foam, powder, or carbon dioxide extinguishers. Some Class-B fires can be controlled with the application of chemical fire suppressants. Applying a combination of fire suppressant foam mixed with water is a common and effective method of forming a blanket on top of the liquid fuel, which eliminates the oxygen needed for combustion.<ref name="Mitrokostas"/>