When fighting a Class B fire with a portable extinguisher, during side-to-side sweeps, each sweep must be at least how many inches past the sides of the fire?

When fighting a Class B fire with a portable extinguisher, during side-to-side sweeps, each sweep must be at least how many inches past the sides of the fire?

• A. Extend past the sides by 12 inches
• B. Be at least 6 inches past each side
• C. Be at least 3 inches past each side
• D. Stop at the sides of the fire

Answer: (B)

Covering the edge of the flammable liquid during each sweep is essential to cut off the fuel supply and prevent reignition. In a Class B fire, you sweep from side to side and aim to extend past the fire’s edge so the extinguishing agent blankets the surface. Extending at least six inches past each side ensures the edge of the liquid is covered, helping to smother the fire and cool the fuel so vapors don’t keep feeding the flames. Stopping at the edge or sweeping only a small distance can leave uncoated fuel that can reignite, while sweeping much farther than needed can be awkward and wasteful without adding benefit. Therefore, the recommended distance is six inches past each side.

Covering the edge of the flammable liquid during each sweep is essential to cut off the fuel supply and prevent reignition. In a Class B fire, you sweep from side to side and aim to extend past the fire’s edge so the extinguishing agent blankets the surface. Extending at least six inches past each side ensures the edge of the liquid is covered, helping to smother the fire and cool the fuel so vapors don’t keep feeding the flames. Stopping at the edge or sweeping only a small distance can leave uncoated fuel that can reignite, while sweeping much farther than needed can be awkward and wasteful without adding benefit. Therefore, the recommended distance is six inches past each side.