What is the purpose of a wetting agent in firefighting?

• A. To solidify the fuel
• B. To lower water's surface tension
• C. To increase ignition temperature
• D. To disperse smoke

Answer: (B)

A wetting agent plays a crucial role in firefighting by lowering the surface tension of water. When water is used alone, it has a high surface tension, which makes it less effective at penetrating combustible materials and suppressing fires. By incorporating a wetting agent into the water, firefighters can significantly enhance its ability to soak into and saturate flammable substances. This improved penetration helps to extinguish fires more effectively, particularly in situations involving fuels such as wood, vegetation, or textiles, where water needs to penetrate deep into the material to be fully effective.

Wetting agents do not solidify fuel, increase ignition temperatures, or disperse smoke; their primary function is to improve water's ability to be absorbed by fire-prone materials. By understanding this function, firefighters can optimize their approach to extinguishing fires and ensure they are employing the best techniques available for different types of incidents.