What should be done with fires burning at relief valves or piping?

Fires burning at relief valves or piping should not be extinguished for several critical reasons. Firstly, attempting to extinguish these types of fires could result in a dangerous situation where the pressure within the system may increase, leading to catastrophic failures during the firefighting operation. Relief valves are designed to release pressure; if an attempt is made to extinguish the fire, it might cause the system to malfunction or explode due to the buildup of pressure.

Furthermore, the materials involved in these scenarios can often be flammable and could lead to an escalation of the fire if water, foam, or fog streams are applied. These extinguishing agents might not be effective on the specific flammable materials present at the site and could potentially spread the fire or create hazardous conditions.

Firefighters are trained to assess the situation and recognize that certain fires require a different approach. In situations involving relief valves or piping, it is typically more advisable to allow the fire to burn under controlled conditions while ensuring the safety of personnel and the surrounding area, rather than risking escalation or additional hazards by trying to extinguish it directly. In many cases, extinguishing the fire could also strip away necessary fuel sources, further complicating the system's functionality. Therefore, the best course of action is to not