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by Alicia Honey on November 19th, 2009
First comes oxygen, an incindiary, a combustible and an action that produces flame.
I have known of spontaneous combustion from high heat but it still needed oxygen and a combustible.
Lowering temperatures will not put out flame. Fire burns real well in the dead of winter (thank goodness when I'm camping).
The best way to put out a raging fire is to remove either oxygen or combustible. That is why in a huge brush fire they will try to remove a huge swath of wood around the fire. Also many hand-held fire extinguishers work by smothering the fire (removing oxygen).
Best idea is to get out of the area, smoke inhalation will kill you quick and then you won't be able to get out.
by Anonymous on November 19th, 2009
If you are referring to "spontaneous combustion," then it would be my guess that high temperatures could cause certain items to seemingly start burning on their own, and as they burn, the ambient temperature caused by the flames would increase the temperatures in the immediately surrounding areas.
Lowering of ambient temperature alone would have no effect on a fire, as the three things a fire needs to burn, are:
1. FUEL: Something to burn: Wood, clothing, paper
2. OXYGEN: The air for the fire to “breathe” and grow
3. HEAT: Something hot or already burning such as a candle, match or flame
Water the best way to put out most fires, with a few notable exceptions, such as grease fires or "Class D" fires. Certain metals are flammable or combustible. Fires involving such are designated "Class D." Examples of such metals include sodium, titanium, magnesium, potassium, steel, uranium, lithium, plutonium, and calcium. Magnesium and titanium fires are common.
I hope I have answered your questions OK.
+5
by Marky Mark on January 11th, 2010
A fire needs 3 elements to exist, namely, HEAT, FUELand OXYGEN - the "Fire Triangle" in firefighting terminology. A fire is prevented or extinguished by removing any one of them. Water is generally good for putting out fires because it removes the heat although other means of extinguishing may be more appropriate (effective and safer) depending on the type of fire in question.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_triangle
by Jim in a Nautilus COAT on November 20th, 2009
The Movie, Fahrenheit 451 referred to the temperature at which wood or wood-based combustibles like paper (books) spontaneously burst into flames. Put a sheet of paper in a 500 degree oven and it will burst into flames even though no flame is present to ignite it.
The same heat = flame principle is used in rubbing sticks together to generate a fire.
There are three things necessary for a fire to start, and to continue to burn; heat, combustible material and an oxidizing agent (usually air). Take any one away and the fire will stop. Water puts out most fires very efficiently because it provides a two-pronged attack, cooling the combustible material and cutting off the air from it. But water isn't effective against oil fires because oil floats on top of water, retaining both its heat and access to air. So which of the three necessary elements is best to remove depends on what kind of fire you are fighting.
by RC loves ice cream on November 19th, 2009
Fire requires an oxidant, a fuel and a source of heat. The amount of heat required depends on the type of fuel and oxidant. Pure oxygen requires very little heat. Similarly a highly flammable substance burns very easily. Trying to ignite a wooden log in a normal atmosphere takes more effort. Once it's burning however it will provide the heat to keep itself burning. So you must provide a source of heat first. Some chemical or physical reactions can provide their own source of heat and/or fuel, such as sodium dropped in water, which generates hydrogen as well as heat, and consequently starts burning spontaneously. Similarly, a rag soaked in fuel oil will generate enough heat to burn spontaneously.
Technically yes, lowering temperatures alone will put out a fire, but it's difficult to do that, and in most cases it's easier to smother a fire (cut off the oxygen). Throwing water on a fire does both. It cuts off most of the oxygen and by evaporating, reduces the temperature.
by hallagan on December 22nd, 2009
The higher temperatures b/c even a match needs friction to get the heat.With a raging fire it depends on the circumstance.Fully engulfed you just protect the surroundings you can't put it out.To control temps such as maybe kitchen or forests fire you use water to take some of the heat out of it.
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You're reading High temperatures cause ignition of inflammables. The fire causes higher temperatures. Which comes first? The high temperatures or the fire? Will lowering of temperatures alone put out a fire? What is the best way to put out a raging fire?
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Comments
Thank you for the excellent answer and advise, Alicia.
I asked the question after seeing a few parts of the film 'The Towering Inferno' the link to which was given by a friend.
+6.
by Suby the Coat on November 19th, 2009
Universal Studios has a fire tour/show that is worth seeing. It shows what the actors have/had to do for the film. Absolutely incredible. If you are ever in LA, visit universal studios.
by Alicia Honey on November 20th, 2009
Thanks for the tip, Alicia. But I am not likely to visit the United States at any time this life. I will see if YouTube has anything on that. Thank you.
by Suby the Coat on November 21st, 2009