Tulekustutuseks

Tulekustutuseks, meaning "for fire extinguishing" in Estonian, refers to a broad category of materials and equipment designed to combat fires. These include a variety of substances and devices that work by interrupting the chemical reactions of combustion or by removing one of the essential elements of the fire triangle: heat, fuel, or oxygen.

Common fire extinguishing agents include water, which cools the burning material, and dry chemical powders, often based on sodium bicarbonate or monoammonium phosphate, which interrupt the chemical chain reaction of the fire. Foam is another effective agent, particularly for liquid fires, as it smothers the flames and cools the surface. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gas that displaces oxygen, starving the fire. Halon agents were historically used but are now largely phased out due to environmental concerns.

Fire extinguishing equipment encompasses a range of devices. Fire extinguishers are portable units containing these agents under pressure, designed for initial response to small fires. Larger systems, such as sprinkler systems, are permanently installed in buildings and activate automatically when a certain temperature is reached. Fire hoses, nozzles, and pumps are also crucial components for delivering extinguishing agents effectively. The choice of extinguishing method and equipment depends on the type and size of the fire, as well as the surrounding environment.