Why does water extinguish fire?

Answer 1

In two ways. First by separating the oxygen from the fuel. Second by taking away the heat away from the fuel so the energetic state does not reach the point that the fuel could combust.

Answer 2

Why Does Water Extinguish Fire

Answer 3

It only extinguishes fire where the water can come between the fuel and the oxygen (to interrupt the reaction) and reduce the temperature below the ignition point. For example, a flammable liquid lighter than water - such as petrol or oil - will not be extinguished because it resurfaces and regains contact with oxygen quickly enough to re-ignite. And in an electrical fire the current provides a continuing source of heat to re-ignite flammable materials that are temporarily cooled by water. In such cases, water is not effective.

Answer 4

Water, first removes heat from the fuel and, in the process, it converts to steam.
When water vaporises, the steam produced expands by about 1600 times its water volume (1m³ of water produces 1600m³ of steam).
The steam effectively blankets the fire and excludes the oxygen. A really large fire however needs a constant stream of water in order to be effective.
Water is NEVER used on hydrocarbon liquid fires as the liquid is spread around, and floats on top of the water carrying the fire with it...Fire fighting Foam is used.
Gas and Electric fires are blanketed with CO2 which, being heavier than air, excludes the oxygen from the fire.
With Electrical fires, water being conductive can also cause severe shock or electrocution of the user.

Answer 5

Water displaces the oxygen needed for the fire to burn.

Answer 6

water changes the properities of burned materials.it means water make the burnt material wet. also prevent O2 to penetrate

Answer 7

because it's non-flammable and it suffocates the source...without O2, no fire