Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

What is an effective method for removing heat from a fire?

1. Add more fuel

2. Cool the fire

3. Increase air circulation

4. Use chemical agents

The correct answer is: Cool the fire

To effectively remove heat from a fire, cooling the fire is a widely recognized method. When you introduce a cooling agent, typically water, it lowers the temperature of the flames and the surrounding material. Water absorbs heat from the fire, causing it to cool down, which is crucial in bringing it under control. The heat needs to be reduced to a point where the fire can no longer sustain combustion. In contrast, adding more fuel would only exacerbate the situation by providing more material for the fire to consume. Increasing air circulation can also intensify a fire, as it supplies more oxygen, which is essential for combustion and can lead to a larger fire. While chemical agents can be effective depending on the type of fire, they generally work on different principles such as inhibiting the chemical reactions involved in combustion or creating a barrier between fuel and oxygen. However, the fundamental method aimed specifically at heat removal is cooling the fire.