What is a common misconception about water used in fire suppression?

Water is often viewed as a straightforward and universally effective method for extinguishing fires; however, one common misconception is that it can sometimes cause more damage than the fire itself. This is particularly true in situations involving sensitive materials or environments, such as electrical fires or certain types of chemical fires, where water can react negatively or exacerbate the situation.

For instance, water can propagate electrical fires, and in chemical fires involving substances like grease or certain metals, using water can lead to explosions or further combustion. Additionally, the water used in firefighting can cause extensive water damage to buildings and properties, resulting in losses that might exceed those caused by the fire itself.

Understanding this misconception is crucial for firefighters and responders, as it highlights the need for careful assessment of the situation before applying water as a suppression method and the importance of selecting the appropriate suppression technique based on the type of fire encountered.