By Venice Valentine
Residents and business owners in Imo State have been urged to understand the right fire extinction methods to avoid worsening fire outbreaks during emergencies.
The advice was given by Deputy Superintendent of Fire, Chioma Onyeukwu on Omalicha 91.1FM's Civic Social Responsibility programme, Staying Alive, anchored by Rita Chikwe.
Speaking on the topic “Fire Safety: Extinction Method,” Onyeukwu explained that different classes of fire require different extinguishing methods, warning that the wrong response could escalate a fire rather than stop it.
According to her, understanding what is burning is the first step before attempting to fight any fire outbreak.
“Not every fire should be extinguished with water,” she explained. “If furniture, curtains, clothes, or wood are burning, water can be used because it cools the heat. But for petrol, kerosene, chemicals, or electrical fires, using water can worsen the situation.”
She noted that fire occurs when three elements — heat, fuel, and oxygen — combine, adding that extinguishing methods are designed to remove one or more of these elements through cooling, smothering, or starvation.
Onyeukwu explained that flammable liquid fires, known as Class B fires, should be tackled using foam compounds, carbon dioxide (CO2), dry chemical powder extinguishers, or sand, rather than water.
She also emphasized the importance of disconnecting electrical power before attempting to extinguish fires caused by faulty wiring or electrical appliances to prevent electrocution.
The fire officer highlighted the advantages of CO2 extinguishers, especially for indoor and kitchen use, saying they leave no residue after use.
“CO2 extinguishers are good for kitchens because after use, there are no chemical remains on surfaces or food items,” she said.
On fire blankets, Onyeukwu explained that they are useful for smothering small fires, particularly in kitchens, by cutting off oxygen supply to the flames.
She also stressed the need for evacuation when a fire becomes uncontrollable.
“If the fire is beyond what you can handle, leave immediately and call emergency responders,” she advised, adding that homes and workplaces should always keep exit routes clear and accessible.
The fire safety official encouraged vehicle owners to install at least 2kg or 6kg dry chemical powder extinguishers in their vehicles instead of smaller units that may not last long during emergencies.
She further advised that fire extinguishers should be serviced regularly by professionals, recommending that new extinguishers be checked after the first year and subsequently every six months to ensure functionality.
The Deputy Superintendent also disclosed that the fire service now uses newer suppression technologies such as “Fire Stop,” a chemical-based extinguishing agent designed to quickly blanket and suppress flames.
As part of the programme, listeners were reminded to keep emergency fire service numbers handy in case of emergencies.
Staying Alive - Fire Safety is Omalicha 91.1FM's social responsibility contribution to on-going efforts at improving fire safety awareness, encouraging prevention, and reducing avoidable fire disasters in homes, markets, offices, and all public spaces.
Imo State Fire Service Emergency Contact Numbers 0901 434 6957, 0809 200 2244; Toll-free emergency lines 122 and 112.
