A pool fire burning under or near a tank of flammable liquid may cause the tank to explode in what is known as a?

A boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion, commonly known as a BLEVE, occurs when a container holding a pressurized liquid is subjected to an external heat source, leading to a rapid increase in pressure and temperature. When a pool fire burns near or under a tank of flammable liquid, the intense heat can cause the liquid inside the tank to vaporize rapidly. If the pressure exceeds the tank's failure threshold, it can result in a catastrophic explosion.

This type of explosion is particularly dangerous because it involves the release of a large amount of energy and can project debris over a wide area, presenting significant hazards not only to personnel nearby but also to infrastructure and equipment. The risk of a BLEVE is heightened with flammable liquids, as they can ignite, leading to further fire hazards once the tank fails.

Other concepts like flashover, backdraft, and vapor cloud explosions refer to distinct phenomena involving fires and explosions but do not specifically relate to the scenario of a pool fire causing an explosion due to a tank of flammable liquid being heated. Understanding the characteristics of a BLEVE is essential when dealing with fire safety and managing the risks associated with flammable liquids in storage.