Video: Georgia Fire Extinguishers
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Video Transcript
Rob
You're out here on the water. It seems like maybe you wouldn't need to worry about fire when you're on a boat—you have so much water around to put it out. Tell me a little about fire extinguishers on boats.
RFC Kate Hargrove
Well, generally, we require a Type B fire extinguisher, which is for flammable liquids. Water will not put out a gasoline fire.
Rob
Oh, so, type B refers to the way it puts out the flames.
RFC Kate Hargrove
Correct. Fire extinguishers are designed for the materials they'll be used on. In a gasoline fire, water will not help you.
Rob
So, if your engine lights are on fire, you can't just throw water on it. Most of the time, you need something like this.
RFC Kate Hargrove
Correct. You need a fire extinguisher designed for flammable liquids. You never know when you might come across another vessel that might need your assistance. By having a fire extinguisher on board, you may be able to help them.
Rob
Can you think of an example of a time when that might be useful?
RFC Kate Hargrove
Here on Lake Lanier once, we had a fire on a boat and, after using his fire extinguisher, others were able to assist him by giving him additional fire extinguishers to help fight the fire.
Rob
What are the basics of fire extinguishers that we need to know?
RFC Kate Hargrove
They are required equipment on board. They need to be securely fastened and in serviceable condition.
Rob
So, basically, you got to have a fire extinguisher on board and you've got to make sure it works.
RFC Kate Hargrove
Correct.
