Calm Sunday morning in Des Moines turned chaotic as a house exploded on the south side of the city. The explosion was caused by a natural gas leak and a lot of damage was caused to the house. The residents fortunately escaped unharmed and could have been in big trouble had the situation been handled differently. Events like this raise critical questions about dealing with gas-related emergencies, including one that many homeowners often wonder about—can you put water on a gas fire?
The short answer is no, as doing so can worsen the situation and even spread the flames. This incident highlights the importance of understanding gas fire safety and knowing the proper methods to extinguish such fires effectively.
Why Water Isn’t Always the Answer
When faced with a fire, the instinctive action might be to grab some water to extinguish the flames. But can you put water on a gas fire? You simply cannot, and here is why. Natural gas fires are classified as Class C fires: fires involving electric equipment or combustible gases. Water is unable to extinguish the flames but spreads them by contacting the chemicals compounding the combustion. For instance, igniting water splashes creates an even greater and far more dangerous firestorm from flammable liquid
A dry chemical or carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher is specially designed to eliminate Class C fires. These agents break the chain reaction and starve the fire without adding a risk.
Identifying the Indicators of a Gas Leak
Prevention is the first line of defense against natural gas fires. Knowing how to recognize the signs of a gas leak is critical. The most familiar indicator is that of rotten eggs or sulfur-a distinct odor purposely added to natural gas for the purpose of detecting leaks. There may also be a hissing or whistling sound coming from a gas line, or you may see a sudden jump in utility bills for no apparent reason. Other signs include dead vegetation above or near buried gas lines, local bubbling of water, and dust blowing from the ground. If you detect any of these warning signs, take immediate action by turning off the gas supply, evacuating the area, and contacting your utility provider.
How to Put Out a Gas Fire Without Losing Your Cool
When a gas fire ignites, immediate steps should be taken to control the situation while ensuring everyone’s safety. Here’s a step-by-step guide to extinguishing a gas fire effectively:
1. Shut Off the Gas Supply
The first thing to do, and the most important, is to stop the source of the fire. Locate the gas supply and turn it off if it is safe to do so. This is important because cutting off the fuel that feeds the flames slows down or stops the fire, making it easier to extinguish. If the fire is close to an appliance, find the shutoff valve nearest to that appliance. Larger issues such as a gas line broke, need to be reported to your above-ground utility.
2. Evacuate the Area
Gas fires of any size can be hazardous, particularly when toxic gases are released into the atmosphere; evacuation of all persons within the establishment should occur with all haste behind a safe distance .Close doors as you make your way to safety, but do not lock them in case an emergency paramedic needs access.
3. Use a Proper Fire Extinguisher
If the fire is small and contained, you can attempt to extinguish it using a Class ABC or BC-rated fire extinguisher. Always remember the PASS technique:
- Pull the pin to unlock the extinguisher.
- Aim at the base of the flames.
- Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent.
- Sweep side to side to cover the fire evenly.
Trying to resolve the issue without the right extinguisher risks worsening the situation. For this reason, understanding your extinguisher’s purpose is key.
4. Call Emergency Services
Should the fire prove unmanageable or spread rapidly, call emergency services immediately. Firefighting professionals have the tools and training necessary to deal with gas fires safely and thoroughly. Waiting to call for help could result in more severe property damage or jeopardize lives.
Why Gas Fire Awareness Matters
While incidents like the Des Moines explosion can be alarming, they serve as powerful reminders of why understanding gas fire safety is so important. Knowing how to respond and what not to do, such as attempting to douse the blaze with water, can make the difference between a manageable situation and a disaster. By practicing prevention and preparedness, you can keep your home and loved ones safe.
So, can you put water on a gas fire? Now you know the answer is a resounding no, and you are better equipped to handle such emergencies safely. Taking the time to educate yourself and implement safety measures can prevent accidents and ensure you’re ready if the unthinkable happens.
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