Caution, flammable liquids!

Flashes of vapors of gasoline, acetone, benzene, toluene, some alcohols and ethers, according to rescuer reports, periodically cause fires, resulting in people being hospitalized. The very name "flammable liquids" (FL) speaks for itself, so their use requires special attention.

On December 17, 2022, at 3:35 AM, the 112 emergency number received reports from eyewitnesses about an explosion and fire in an apartment on Shevchenko Boulevard in Minsk. Fire and Rescue Service units were dispatched to the scene of the explosion, arriving within 4 minutes. Open flame combustion and heavy smoke were observed on the second floor, with people asking for help from apartment windows. During the reconnaissance, it was established that a fire had occurred on the second floor of a five-story building in two apartments over an area of 40 sq.m.

Rescuers saved 12 people from the upper floors, including 3 children. All rescued individuals were handed over to medics, who hospitalized 3 people with a preliminary diagnosis of "poisoning by combustion products, thermo-inhalation trauma, burns." Another 10 people were evacuated from adjacent and upper apartments.

The fire was extinguished at 4:08 AM. 16 units of fire and rescue equipment and over 70 rescuers worked at the scene. Six people, including a child born in 2011, were found in apartments on the second and fourth floors. Medics confirmed their deaths.

The cause of the fire is being investigated. In addition to the gas explosion theory, the version that the fire was caused by a flash of flammable liquid vapors is also being considered. This is evidenced by containers found in one of the apartments. The Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal case.

Any flammable liquid can pose a serious health hazard or fire risk if used improperly. If the concentration of the vapor cloud reaches a certain temperature, the liquid ignites. Combustible liquids have a high flash point, flammable liquids have a low flash point, which is why they are more dangerous to humans. If a combustible substance has spilled, it is necessary to immediately open all windows and ventilate the room. Turn off all electrical equipment, as it is a source of sparks that can lead to an explosion. If something gets on clothes, take them off; if it gets on skin, wash it off with water as quickly as possible. If a large amount of combustible substance has spilled, it is necessary to evacuate people and call the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Regarding what substances can be stored and where, separate rules are established for organizations and enterprises, which are regulated by Decree of the President of Belarus No. 7 "On the Development of Entrepreneurship". As for housing, in auxiliary premises of apartment buildings (common areas), it is not allowed to store explosives, flammable and combustible liquids, cylinders with hot gas and other explosive substances and materials, as well as containers after their use", and residential premises must be used for their functional purpose.

Be sure to tell children about the dangers of flammable liquids. What a child should know is that flammable liquids have a very strong and unpleasant odor. Most often, children get their hands on flammable liquids, including paints and varnishes, during games at a construction site or in a house, apartment where repairs are being made. Do not forget that in the context of children's games, flammable liquids also include hairspray, cockroach repellent, air freshener, and perfume. It is impossible to remove all dangerous items from life, but parents are obliged to talk about the danger, teach, and show by their own example.

How to extinguish? Under no circumstances should a flammable liquid be extinguished with water. This is because gasoline, kerosene, and similar substances are lighter than water, and when attempting to extinguish them with water, they will float to the surface, not only continuing to burn but also spreading sideways, increasing the area of the fire.

Since the combustion of gasoline is impossible without access to oxygen, methods that limit air access to the ignition source can be used to extinguish it. Flammable liquids can be extinguished using wet pieces of cloth or dense clothing, a powder extinguisher, or by using sand or soil, for which it is necessary to cover the burning surface with them. Sand or soil should be poured starting from the outer edge of the burning liquid along its perimeter, then moving from the edge towards the center, gradually covering the liquid completely.

Stay safe! And remember: the price of one mistake when using any hazardous substances is a human life.