What is a foam blanket used for in fire suppression?

A foam blanket plays a critical role in fire suppression, particularly in scenarios involving flammable liquids. Its primary function is to suppress flammable vapor release from such liquids. When applied to a flammable liquid fire, the foam creates a barrier that separates the fuel from the surrounding air, effectively inhibiting the release of vapors that can ignite and contribute to fire growth. This barrier not only prevents the fire from spreading but also serves to cool the burning surface and minimize the risk of re-ignition.

In contrast, cooling down burning solids typically involves water or other cooling agents, while generating steam is more about using water to turn into steam in firefighting contexts, and displacing oxygen would be more relevant to techniques like certain types of fire suppression systems that utilize inert gases. Foam is specifically designed for dealing with flammable liquids, highlighting its importance in fire suppression tactics involving hazardous materials.