Question 232Safety & Environmental - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is D) prevent the fire from spreading by the conduction of heat. Cooling the bulkheads and decks surrounding a compartment with a fire is necessary to prevent the fire from spreading through the conduction of heat. The hot metal surfaces can transfer heat to adjacent areas, igniting nearby combustible materials and allowing the fire to propagate. By cooling these surrounding surfaces, the conduction of heat is reduced, limiting the spread of the fire. The other options are incorrect because: A) cooling the metal below its ignition temperature may not be necessary to prevent spread, B) forming a steam coating is not the primary purpose, and C) preventing oxygen is more relevant to smothering an existing fire rather than containing its spread.