Flüssigkeitsbränden

Flüssigkeitsbrände, also known as Class B fires, involve flammable or combustible liquids. These fires are characterized by the liquid fuel itself burning, rather than the container. Common examples of such liquids include gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, alcohols, oils, and greases. The behavior of a Flüssigkeitsbrand depends on the flash point of the liquid. Liquids with a low flash point, such as gasoline, ignite easily when exposed to an ignition source. Combustible liquids have a higher flash point and require a higher temperature to ignite.

The primary hazard associated with Flüssigkeitsbränden is the rapid spread of fire. If the liquid is being heated, the fire can escalate quickly as the temperature rises, potentially leading to a boilover or flashover. Boilover is a phenomenon where superheated liquid at the bottom of a container can suddenly erupt and spread burning liquid across a wider area. Flashover occurs when the entire surface of the liquid is engulfed in flames.

Extinguishing Flüssigkeitsbrände requires specific methods. Water is generally not effective on its own for many types of liquid fires, especially those involving petroleum products, as water is denser than oil and will sink, allowing the oil to continue burning on the surface. Furthermore, adding water to very hot burning liquids can cause steam explosions. Effective extinguishing agents include foam, which smothers the fire by creating a barrier between the fuel and oxygen, dry chemical powders, and carbon dioxide. The choice of extinguishing agent depends on the type of liquid and the scale of the fire. Proper training and equipment are crucial for safely managing these types of incidents.