Water can put out fire due to its unique properties and the way it interacts with the fire triangle components, which are fuel, heat, and oxygen. Let's break it down:
Heat: Fire requires a certain amount of heat to sustain the combustion process. Water has a high heat capacity, meaning it can absorb and distribute heat effectively. When water is applied to a fire, it absorbs heat from the flames, lowering the temperature and reducing the fire's ability to sustain itself.
Fuel: Fire needs a fuel source to burn. Water itself is not flammable, so it does not provide additional fuel to the fire. By depriving the fire of a continuous supply of combustible material, water helps to starve the flames and halt the burning process.
Oxygen: While oxygen supports combustion, water can indirectly interfere with the availability of oxygen to the fire. When water is poured onto a fire, it creates a barrier between the flames and the surrounding oxygen. The water vaporizes and turns into steam, which displaces the oxygen and creates a layer of water vapor above the fire. This reduces the oxygen concentration near the flames, inhibiting the combustion process.
Additionally, water has the ability to absorb and dissipate flammable gases and vapors, further suppressing the fire by removing their presence.
It's important to note that water may not be effective for all types of fires. For example, fires involving certain flammable metals or electrical equipment may require specialized extinguishing agents. However, for many common fires fueled by materials such as wood, paper, or flammable liquids, water is a widely used and effective fire extinguishing agent.