Your vessel is carrying a cargo of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), which has caught fire. Which extinguishing agents should be used?
• Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is a polar, water-miscible solvent similar to alcohols in its firefighting behavior • Difference between water foam vs. alcohol-resistant (alcohol) foam when used on polar solvents • Suitability of carbon dioxide, dry chemical, and water fog on flammable liquid fires
• Is MEK more like gasoline (non‑polar hydrocarbon) or more like an alcohol/polar solvent in terms of how it mixes with water? • What happens if you apply regular water foam to a flammable liquid that is soluble in water—will the foam blanket stay intact or break down? • Among the listed agents, which combination best fits standard guidance for fighting fires involving polar, water‑miscible solvents?
• Verify whether MEK is water‑miscible (mixes with water) or immiscible • Check which type of foam is recommended for polar solvent / alcohol‑type fires in your Dangerous Cargo or Firefighting references • Confirm that all agents in the chosen option are appropriate for flammable liquid fires, not just for enclosed‑space or electrical fires
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