The importance of water cannot be overstated. Water supports life in the universe and makes up to 80% of our body mass. Health specialists have recommended that we consume at least 8 liters of water every day for a healthy life.
But is water flammable? This question might seem a bit absurd since we use water to extinguish fires when we’re under threat by fire.
No, water is not flammable and can’t catch fire. For a substance to be deemed flammable, its liquid has to be above its flashpoint. Water does not have a flashpoint. There is no temperature at which water gives off an ignitable vapor in the air.
While we have established that water is not flammable, it’s important to state that water might react to other substances and constitute a fire hazard. We will discuss such circumstances below:
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Is Water Flammable?
Water is made up of two elements: hydrogen and oxygen. Anyone with a little background in science knows that hydrogen is flammable, but oxygen is not.
We have already established that water is not flammable. In fact, water is used to extinguish fires. But a follow-up question might be since water has hydrogen, which is highly flammable, how come water is not flammable?
First and foremost, hydrogen combines with oxygen, and the result is water. The atoms in both hydrogen and oxygen are merged to produce molecules which has an entirely different property. This new property is non-combustible and non-flammable.
Secondly, water is essentially hydrogen that has already been burned, so it cannot burn again. It is true that at very high temperatures, it can be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen like this: 2H2O = 2H2 +O2.
However, we have just defined the temperature at which the hydrogen combustion reaction goes backward, so the mixture of gases does not turn back to the water.
Can There Be Fire On Water?
Since we have already established that water is non-flammable and can be used to extinguish fire due to its unique molecules. The question, can there be fire on water? Might seem absurd.
However, there are some situations where if water is used inappropriately to extinguish fire can lead to fire on water.
Such a situation might be like using water to extinguish magnesium fire. Magnesium can extract oxygen from water, resulting in the hydrogen being isolated and leading to a more dire explosion.
This is in addition to what is effectively called a steam explosion from the heat alone, spreading the burning metal. Such a fire is a danger when machining Magnesium or similar metals and alloys in the air.
At What Temperature Does Water Catch on Fire?
Water doesn’t have any temperature that can make it catch fire. This is because water results from a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, making water the ash from burnt hydrogen. Water cannot react any further with oxygen.
Get water hot enough (3000 degrees Celsius). You can break it down into hydrogen and oxygen. After cooling, you can again burn the hydrogen in the oxygen to recreate the water.
Can Boiling Water Start a Fire?
Boiling water can’t start fires no matter how long they boil. Water boils at around 100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit and can’t go much higher than that.
What this means is that water has an auto-ignition point below this temperature. However, this doesn’t translate to mean that you should leave water to boil for long in the kitchen.
Even though water can’t catch fire, the medium used in boiling it can easily catch fire once the water dries up.
Thus, kettles with an automatic off switch for boiled water are mostly recommended for kitchen use.
Can Water Be Used to Extinguish Grease Fire?
Water and grease don’t go hand in hand. Are you aware that cooking accounts for 50% of all residential fires in the US? Well, know you know.
Thus, while cooking, you need to make sure you avoid all sorts of circumstances that will lead to a grease fire.
For instance, keep an eye on the oil as it’s heating to avoid any fire hazard incident. However, if there is a grease fire in your kitchen, do not attempt to pour water on the fire.
Doing this will worsen the situation since water can cause the oil to splash and spread the fire.
The best way to handle a grease fire is by turning off the gas and covering the pot if it’s a small fire that can be contained.
If the fire can’t be contained, try dumping lots of baking soda on it, then use a chemical fire extinguisher on the grease fire.
Note that not all extinguishers should be used on grease fires. ABC dry chemical extinguisher is best for grease fires. Thus it is advised you have one in your kitchen.
Can Water Extinguish Electrical Fires?
Water can extinguish electrical fires, but it is not advisable because water conducts electricity, and you could be electrocuted.
The recommended way to put out an electrical fire is with a fire extinguisher. If one is not available, use baking soda to extinguish the fire.
If you notice any fire or a strange odor coming from your electrical appliances, turn off both the appliances and the circuit breaker.