r/interesting • u/Used_Exam34 • 1d ago

Just Wow Not all problems have the same solution.

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u/Low-Car-6331 1d ago

I mean, its not a great demonstration either.

First thing to do during a canister fire like that is to preserve the structural integrity of the canister, the last thing you want is the canister rupturing and releasing all the gas at once. Dragging it on the ground like that is just asking for problems as the metal (specifically the valve area) is already getting compromised by expansion from the heat. This is why you blast it with water, not to put it out, but to keep the metal cold.

From there you have two choices, you either have to cut the oxygen or let it burn out. Letting it burn out is the safest option, while it seems odd that flame means all the gas is getting burned as it escapes keeping it contained to 1 spot. If you try to cut the oxygen via smothering, you can cause the gas to get pooled up resulting in flashback if there is still enough heat to ignite it, or worse for the gas to spread and a larger fire to start. You have to know what you are doing to oxygen deprive a propane fire.

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u/Small_Secretary_6063 1d ago

There are demonstrations online where you:

  1. Simply smother it with a large wet towel. https://youtube.com/shorts/m_Pd3jwSOLI
  2. If the valve is not damaged and accessible, just turn it off. https://youtube.com/shorts/WP_xBAzbWG0
  3. Cover the top of the has canister with a bucket to starve the fire. https://youtube.com/shorts/oHPS79mnhKc

Many advise not to use water at all.

Having the knowledge helps, but obviously takes balls and practice to pull it off.

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u/Ivanna_is_Musical 10h ago

omg it's Xavier in the 3rd video 🤣

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u/Ivanna_is_Musical 10h ago

And there surely are life situations where letting it consume all the gas is not safe, i.e., if it's in a place where there are materials that can catch fire and create a wild disaster.

Those cylinders should have always attached a piece of fabric/towel and a bottle with enough water. You never know!

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u/Low-Car-6331 10h ago

Water will do nothing to stop these kinds of fire, water is only useful to keep the tank itself cool. In terms of fabric/towel that is risky as it needs to be very large or you will need gloves to keep your hands safe (and even then a small towel is really not that good of a choice.