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 TM 55-1905-223-SDC
the fire is out and cool enough not to reflash. The most commonly used method of application is to start at
or near the edge of the fire and direct the discharge in a slow, side-to-side sweeping motion, gradually
progressing toward the base of the fire. C02 application should be continued (even after the flames
appear to be extinguished) to allow added time for cooling and to prevent any reflash from adjacent hot
surfaces or open fingers of flame.
On fires involving electrical equipment, discharge should be directly into the source of the flames.
It is important to de-energize the equipment as soon as possible to eliminate the potential source of
reignition.
WARNING
Care must be taken when transporting a C02 extinguisher;
at 80F the bottle has a pressure of about
1,000 psi. If the valve is broken, it will cause the
bottle or valve to become a missile, causing serious
personal injury.
A used fire extinguisher should be returned to the Damage Control Locker where it should be
recharged if possible or clearly and obviously labeled to identify the fact that it needs to be recharged. A
good practice is to remove the horn and hose assembly to prevent attempted use of an empty
extinguisher. Replacement extinguishers should be returned to the appropriate storage rack as soon as
possible.
NOTE
The lead seal should be checked on all fire extinguishers
before being passed into an affected compartment
to ensure an empty bottle is not sent to the
fire.
6-17. PKP EXTINGUISHERS. Potassium bicarbonate (PKP) is carried in 10-pound portable extinguishers
on board the LCU. When fighting a surface fire, aim the discharge at the base of the flames and apply in
a rapid, side-to-side, sweeping motion, gradually progressing toward the base of the fire. PKP discharge
causes a clouding effect which will reduce visibility and will render breathing difficult. Small Class B fires
can be quickly extinguished by PKP fire extinguishers but, unless the ignition source or fuel is removed,
flame flash-back could be experienced. A backup fire hose with low-velocity fog applicator should always
be made available as quickly as possible. PKP can be used simultaneously with water.
CAUTION
A PKP fire extinguisher should not be laid on its
side when in use. This will cause the gas expellant
to be released and not the potassium bicarbonate.
6-11
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