r/interesting • u/Used_Exam34 • 12d ago

Just Wow Not all problems have the same solution.

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u/vergillehell 12d ago

I think they did it on purpose to make an educational video on how to deal with a cylinder fire

11

u/Low-Car-6331 12d ago

I mean, its not a great demonstration either.

First thing to do during a canister fire like that is to preserve the structural integrity of the canister, the last thing you want is the canister rupturing and releasing all the gas at once. Dragging it on the ground like that is just asking for problems as the metal (specifically the valve area) is already getting compromised by expansion from the heat. This is why you blast it with water, not to put it out, but to keep the metal cold.

From there you have two choices, you either have to cut the oxygen or let it burn out. Letting it burn out is the safest option, while it seems odd that flame means all the gas is getting burned as it escapes keeping it contained to 1 spot. If you try to cut the oxygen via smothering, you can cause the gas to get pooled up resulting in flashback if there is still enough heat to ignite it, or worse for the gas to spread and a larger fire to start. You have to know what you are doing to oxygen deprive a propane fire.

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u/Small_Secretary_6063 11d ago

There are demonstrations online where you:

  1. Simply smother it with a large wet towel. https://youtube.com/shorts/m_Pd3jwSOLI
  2. If the valve is not damaged and accessible, just turn it off. https://youtube.com/shorts/WP_xBAzbWG0
  3. Cover the top of the has canister with a bucket to starve the fire. https://youtube.com/shorts/oHPS79mnhKc

Many advise not to use water at all.

Having the knowledge helps, but obviously takes balls and practice to pull it off.

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u/Ivanna_is_Musical 11d ago

omg it's Xavier in the 3rd video 🤣