Why does water damage occur with a fire?

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

When A Fire Occurs, Why Does Water Damage Occur?

The effects of fire damage on your commercial property in Pine Island, FL, are fairly obvious, but what about all the water damage it incurs? Fire suppression efforts are the most common cause of blaze-related water destruction, which can lead to mold problems and leave your property unusable if not immediately treated. In tandem, you’ll also have to contend with smoke-related problems and other physical hazards on your premises.

The Science Behind a Fire

Science tells us that there are four elements required to start a fire and keep it going:

• A reducing agent
• Heat
• Oxygen
• A chemical reaction

The reducing agent, commonly called “fuel,” is what it must feed on to combust and burn. Typically, most reducing agents are carbon-based, which explains why organic materials like wood are so easily consumed. Meanwhile, heat is simply the energy component, which uses oxygen to burn. All three together keep the chemical reaction going to prolong the flames and instigate fire damage on your premises.

How to Stop a Fire

To inhibit a blaze at its source, you must remove one of its four elements. Often, the quickest way to do that is the introduction of large quantities of water through a fire hose. Water absorbs the fire’s heat, then converts to vapor and reduces available oxygen. It’s a two-pronged approach, taking away the blaze’s energy and smothering it by cutting off its supply of the oxidizing agent. Unfortunately, this technique requires vast amounts of water or foam fire suppressive substances, thus flooding the property to save it.

Once a blaze on your commercial property is quenched, the fire department’s job is done. Now it’s time for fire restoration experts in Pine Island, FL, to move in. Although fire damage and the aftereffects from smoke and water can be destructive and distressing, a professional cleanup company can assist you in getting back to business.