Which agent is used to fight Bravo-class fires?

• A. Halon or AFFF
• B. Firemain
• C. Water mist
• D. CO2

Answer: (A)

Fires involving Bravo-class liquids require extinguishing agents that either form a barrier on the fuel surface or interrupt the flame chemistry. Halon works by halting chemical reactions in the flame, effectively stopping the combustion process in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. AFFF forms a stable foam film on the surface of the flammable liquid, cooling the fuel and separating the fuel from the air, which is ideal for hydrocarbon spills on a ship.

Water from the firemain isn’t an extinguishing agent by itself for these fires and can spread flammable liquids. Water mist can be useful in some scenarios, but it isn’t the primary solution for large Bravo-class fires. CO2 can suppress fires in enclosed spaces but has limited effect on open-deck hydrocarbon pools and poses asphyxiation risks to crew.

So, halon or AFFF are the most effective choices for Bravo-class fires.