Application of baking soda in fire extinguishing

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or sodium hydrogen carbonate, has many uses, one of which is extinguishing powder in fire extinguishers. Powders in fire extinguishers are divided into two categories based on the type of fire: chemical and dry. One of these main compounds is some fire extinguisher powders is sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate is a white color powder that dissolves easily in water and forms sodium (Na +) and bicarbonate (HCO3) ions.  When sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is heated, it becomes sodium carbonate. In this process water and carbon dioxide is released. The CO2 starves the fire of O2. These react to release CO2 which forms a layer over the burning substance and cuts the supply of oxygen to the fire.  That is why this powder is used in fire extinguishers to put out the fire or so-called to fight the fire.

 

Baking Soda for Kitchen Fires

One situation where you can make use of baking soda for fires is a kitchen fire. Kitchen fires can occur when grease or oil catches alight. If your flames are small and controllable, such as burning oil in a frying pan, pour baking soda over it to eliminate the flames. When this happens, refrain from throwing any water at the fire because this will cause the oil to spit and possibly send more flames into the air and increase the risk of burns and further damage.

Instead, what you need to do is smother the flames to remove the oxygen. In the absence of baking soda, you can use pan lid to stop the fire as there is a physical barrier stopping more oxygen from getting to the flames.

Can You Use Baking Soda on Electrical Fires?

Baking soda is also a great option for any small electrical fires because this is another situation where reaching for a bottle of water is a bad idea. You may be less likely to have baking soda to hand if a device catches fire in a living room or bedroom, but as long as there is always some in the same place in the kitchen you should be OK.

All you need to do is dump the powder over the device and it should be enough to put out the flames. Where possible, it is also a good idea to turn off the power to the outlet or device to minimize any further risk of damage. You may find that it is safe to do so at the main outlet if the fire is contained within the appliance or electrical device itself – for example, if there is an overheated battery. But, this may not be possible if the issue is with the cord or outlet.

You could also try turning off the power to the outlet via the breaker. If the fire is too intense for baking soda alone then you will need to smother it with a piece of clothing or blanket, or better yet use a Class C fire extinguisher.

Using Fire Extinguishers That Contain Sodium Bicarbonate

Class C fire extinguisher use a mixture of sodium bicarbonate, monoammonium phosphate, potassium bicarbonate, or potassium chloride for the same effect. These extinguishers are best used on fires involving energized electrical equipment.

Therefore, if you are in a building with a lot of computerized or electrical equipment, it is a good idea to have these extinguishers readily available in case of a fire. Never forget that water and electricity don’t mix so you can’t try putting out an electrical fire on a live appliance or outlet with water.

These Class C fire extinguishers with sodium bicarbonate are not, however, recommended for kitchen fires such as grease fires. In these situations where baking soda and suppression aren’t enough, you will need to turn to a Class B dry chemical extinguisher or a fire blanket.

When you If Squeeze the handle or lever at the top of the cylinder, the compounds inside the capsule come out with great pressure and cause the fire to be extinguished.

If you cannot access an appropriate fire extinguisher for a kitchen or electrical fire, feel that the fire is too far out of hand, or simply aren’t confident enough about handling the situation, leave it to the professionals.

Get everyone out, close the doors, and call 911.

Can You Use Baking Powder Instead of Baking Soda?

This is an important point that is sometimes overlooked. It is very easy to confuse baking soda with baking powder. They may be in similar containers in the same kitchen cupboard. You may accidentally refer to them by the wrong name. That becomes a problem when considering using bicarbonate of soda to put out fires. Baking powder is not safe to use because it is much more volatile when in contact with the flames. Sprinkling baking powder on a fire could lead to small explosions that worsen the fire and create a bigger health and safety risk.

If you have any doubts, call 911 and wait for the fire department to arrive.