What is a potential risk when using water to extinguish certain types of fires?

Using water to extinguish certain types of fires, especially those involving flammable liquids or greases, can lead to boiling over due to temperature differences. When water is introduced to these types of fires, it can instantly turn to steam upon contact with the hot surfaces or burning liquid. This rapid conversion can cause the burning liquid to splash or erupt, spreading the fire rather than extinguishing it.

For instance, in the case of a grease fire, water does not effectively put out the flames and instead may cause the grease to heat up and break down, resulting in flare-ups or a larger fire hazard. Understanding this reaction is critical for effective fire safety response, as it highlights the importance of using appropriate extinguishing agents, such as foam or dry chemical extinguishers designed for flammable liquids.