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Why are fires produced by burning oil not extinguished by pouring water?

ScienceClass 8ICSEAnswered 28 Mar 2026
Answer

Answer

Water is heavier than oil. So when it is poured on an oil fire, it sinks to the bottom where it evaporates due to heat of the fire and thus expands rapidly due to which it may push and splatter fire in all directions. Fire due to oil can be extinguished by using dry chemical fire extinguisher.

Science · Class 8