How should a firefighter extinguish a burning fuel truck at the airport?

Using foam to blanket the fuel is the best approach for extinguishing a burning fuel truck due to several key reasons. Firefighting foam is effective for flammable liquid fires, as it creates a barrier between the fuel and the air. This foam blanket smothers the fire, cutting off the oxygen supply necessary for combustion and helping to prevent re-ignition.

Additionally, using foam reduces the risk of spreading the fire and allows firefighters to work from a safe distance. Unlike water, which can sometimes disperse flammable liquids and create a greater hazard, foam is specifically designed to adhere to the fuel and manage the thermal energy involved in the fire. This use of foam helps control the situation more effectively and minimizes the potential for accidents or further explosions.

In contrast, using water may not be effective as it can spread the flammable liquid, facilitating a larger fire hazard. Fire extinguishers might not be adequate for a large fuel truck fire, as they are typically designed for smaller fires and may not provide the necessary coverage or volume. Waiting for the fire to burn out is also unsafe, as it allows the situation to become unpredictable, potentially leading to an escalation of the fire or developing hazards. Hence, utilizing foam is the safest and most efficient method in