On what type of fire would you use low-expansion foam?

Using low-expansion foam is particularly effective on hydrocarbon fires and unignited spills of hazardous liquids. This type of foam is designed to create a blanket over the burning fuel, effectively smothering the fire by cutting off its oxygen supply and preventing the release of flammable vapors. It also helps to cool the surface beneath the foam, which can limit re-ignition after the fire has been extinguished.

Low-expansion foam is specifically formulated to be effective on liquid fuels, such as gasoline or oil, which form a surface fire. The foam can coat the surface of these liquids to subdue the flames and minimize the risk of flashback or flare-up. This is essential in emergency situations involving flammable liquids, where a rapid and effective suppression method is necessary to ensure safety.

In contrast, other types of fires may require different types of extinguishing agents. For instance, electrical fires need agents that do not conduct electricity, wood and paper fires can typically be managed with water or dry chemical extinguishers, and combustible metal fires involve specific powders that can effectively smother the burning metal without causing dangerous reactions.