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Heating, Lighting, and Refrigeration: Fire

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIRE ESCAPES To Extinguish Fires. The objects to be attained in putting out fire are principally two: to cut off its source of supply in the oxygen of the air, and to lower the temperature of the burning substances below the point of combustion. Drenching the burning parts with water accomplishes both objects. It prevents the access of air and chills the burning parts.

A heavy woolen cloth thrown over or wrapped about burning objects smothers the fire by shutting off the HEATING, LIGHTING, AND REFRIGERATION air, and if wet, also assists by lowering the temperature. Chemical fire extinguishers produce noninflammable gas, as carbon dioxide, which flows over the burning parts the same as water, temporarily shutting off the supply of air; hence the following suggestions for extinguishing fires:

Close the doors and windows to prevent draughts. Seize the burning objects if small and movable, as lamps, curtains, and the like, and throw them out of the window, or wrap them in rugs or woolen table covers or bed covers.

Or, if solid, heavy objects are on fire, seize a woolen blanket or other heavy woolen article, and if possible beat out the flames. If a small quantity of water is at hand, dip the woolen cloth into it and beat the fire with that. A single pail of water will go further if soaked up in a blanket than if dashed directly on the flames.

Or, if plenty of water is at hand, dip a mop in it and beat the flames, or dash it on the fire in small quantities from a dipper, directing it intelligently to cover as much space as possible.

To Put Out Burning Garments.- If a person's clothing takes fire, he should be rolled up in a woolen rug, overcoat, table cover, or blanket to smother the fire.

Or, if alone, he should roll himself up in one of these articles as quickly as possible; roll over and over on the floor or bed; or tear up the carpet and roll up in that.

To Extinguish Fire with Chemicals. -To make a chemical fire extinguisher, prepare a mixture of substances that will produce carbonic-acid gas in the presence of water, and arrange so that a stream of mingled gas and water will be thrown upon the flames by the expansive power of the gas.