When Does Water Make Fire Worse?

Water does not extinguish Class B fires and can spread the flammable liquid, making it worse. You must only put out these fires with powder, foam, or carbon dioxide extinguishers to cut off the fire's oxygen supply.

Can water make fire worse?

Water Makes Grease Fires Worse

Doing so can cause the burning liquid to slosh and spill. This can cause injury or make the fire spread.

When should you not use water on a fire?

APWs are designed for Class A (wood, paper, cloth) fires only. Never use water to extinguish flammable liquid fires. Water is extremely ineffective at extinguishing this type of fire, and you may, in fact, spread the fire if you try to use water on it. Never use water to extinguish an electrical fire.