Temperature reduction of the burning material is the primary function of water as a suppression and fire control medium. A finer spray provides more heat absorption and results in a cooler surface of a burning material.

Other materials may cool the surface of a burning element but may not be as efficient due to the need to apply the agent over a long period or reduce the temperature in a large area. Carbon dioxide is discharged at about 110 degrees below zero, but it has a tendency to dissipate rapidly into the atmosphere.

NOTE: This is an unformatted excerpt from our online fire protection training library.