vätskebränder

Vätskebränder, also known as flammable liquid fires, are a specific type of fire involving combustible liquids. These liquids have a low flash point, meaning they can ignite easily when exposed to an ignition source. Common examples of flammable liquids include gasoline, diesel fuel, alcohol, and certain solvents. The behavior of a vätskebrand differs from ordinary fires involving solids. Instead of a distinct burning surface, the flammable liquid itself vaporizes and burns. The vapors, being lighter than air, rise and mix with oxygen, creating an ignitable mixture.

Extinguishing vätskebränder requires specific methods. Water, while effective for many fires, is often not suitable for flammable liquid fires. This is because water is denser than most flammable liquids and will sink beneath them, potentially spreading the fire. Furthermore, the heat of the burning liquid can vaporize the water, leading to a sudden expansion and a forceful ejection of burning fuel, known as a steam explosion or boilover. Specialized extinguishing agents are used, such as foam, dry chemical powders, or carbon dioxide. Foam works by creating a barrier between the liquid fuel and the oxygen in the air, suppressing the vapors and cooling the fuel. Dry chemical agents interrupt the chemical reaction of combustion. Carbon dioxide displaces oxygen, starving the fire. The choice of extinguishing agent depends on the type and size of the vätskebrand.