Hazard Knowledge

If an uncontrolled flammable liquid ignites, a large, engulfing fire will develop and will spread with the flow of the liquid. Burning liquid will follow the slope of the ground and pool in low-lying areas and drains. Under these conditions large-scale foam operations may well be required. If the liquid is still leaking from its container, the fire will continue to increase in size but the flame may also flash back to the container, introducing a risk of violent containment failure (see Hazard – Gases under pressure involved in fire). This type of fire can be most difficult to deal with, especially if it is flowing and being fed by a storage tank or pressurised pipeline. The source of the leak should be identified and isolated as soon as possible.