Why Use Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers? by Jon Butt

Wet chemical fire extinguishers are purposely manufactured to fight small kitchen fires, usually started by oil, such as chip pan fires. These extinguishers have an extra long lance or tube through which the chemical can be aimed on top of the pan to leave a thick layer of chemical foam which then smothers the fire. It is meant to take care of Class F fires and occasionally Class A fires in a pinch.

The particulars for a Chemical Fire Extinguisher might be:

High Performance wet chemical fire extinguishers for use on chip or pan fires.
Kite marked (BS EN3: 1996) and CE marked
For larger kitchens and industrial kitchens
With lance applicator to provide safe operating distance
Solution reacts with oil to prevent re-ignition
Over 43 seconds discharge time
4 m range of jet
This extinguisher has passed the electrical conductivity test at 35kV
Dimensions: H 533, W 242, D 180 mm
Stored Pressure
Fast gauge testing system
Easy to read pressure gauge
Wall-mount included
5 year Warranty on all parts
Weight of charged extinguisher: 11.8 kg

When a chemical fire starts, do not attempt to extinguish it yourself. In 2007, fire-fighters had to tackle a blaze which involved chemicals and gas cylinders at a disused factory in Essex. The fire broke out at night at the partially demolished factory and all nearby residents were told to stay inside with their doors and windows shut until the fire was extinguished. Since then, crews have gone in to find chemical drums which had melted and mixed with water but they were not causing a further hazard.

When the chemical fire broke out at Distellex in Tyneside, it sent billows of smoke and fumes for miles and miles. Over 500 people were evacuated from their nearby homes and had to stay elsewhere. The engineer in charge tried to extinguish the fire using a wet chemical fire extinguisher, but it did nothing to stop the magnitude of the blaze and eruption. It took 25 fire stations to bring the fire under control. The health of the workers and nearby residents was and still may be in question.

So, when it is suggested that the wet chemical fire extinguisher is good for a small kitchen fire, for smothering the pan with a layer of foam, it is no way an all purpose fire extinguisher for the home. You still need to vacate the premises and call the fire service for an inspection and to have your fire extinguisher serviced.

Information on fire fighting equipment and fire extinguishers for home or commercial use

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