What is a boil over in the context of fire suppression?

In the context of fire suppression, a boil over refers specifically to the rapid expansion of steam leading to fire spread. When flammable liquids are heated, they can reach a point where the vaporization creates a significant, rapid increase in pressure. If this pressure exceeds the container’s capacity, it can cause the heated liquid to erupt violently, leading to the ejection of burning liquid and the potential for flames to spread uncontrollably.

This phenomenon typically occurs when a flammable liquid is heated to its boiling point. Water or other liquids may sit on top of the flammable liquid, and as it heats up below, the resulting steam can create a large volume that forces the burning liquid out of the container. This rapid release of flaming liquid is what makes boil overs particularly hazardous during firefighting operations.

Recognizing the dynamics of boil overs is critical for effective fire suppression strategies, especially in scenarios involving flammable liquids, as it emphasizes the importance of understanding the physical and chemical properties of materials being handled.