Carbon dioxide gas is neither combustible nor helps combustion. It is heavier than air and cuts off the supply of oxygen from air and hence extinguishes the fire. Hence, sodium bicarbonate is used in fire extinguishers.

Water is ineffective in putting out a gas fire and can increase the chance of injury, as the heat from the fire will boil the water almost immediately, putting you at risk for steam burns.

Gasoline fires may be extinguished by smothering with wet rags, woolen cloth, sand, earth or ashes, if the amount of the fluid involved is small. If the amount is large, a little water spreads it; but a deluge of water smothers it.

Make the Fire ExtinguisherFill the jar about halfway full with vinegar. To activate the fire extinguisher, drop in a spoonful of baking soda. Immediately shake the jar and point the hole of the jar toward your fire. Test out your fire extinguisher on a candle or small intentional fire so you will know what to expect.

Sodium bicarbonate

Working: A soda-acid type of fire extinguisher contains a solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate and sulphuric acid in separate containers inside them.

(a) Soda-acid fire extinguisher is not successful in controlling fire due to oils because it uses water to cool the combustible substance. But water is heavier than oil and settles down below the oil particles and oil keeps on burning on the top. Hence, fire cannot be controlled.

Sulphuric acid is non flammable so soda acid is most common fire extinguisher. Carbon dioxide is liberated by the action of sulphuric acid on baking soda or sodium bicarbonate. Due to this the supply of air is cut off and fire is extinguished.

3. Foam Extinguisher – Chemical and Mechanical. Chemical foam extinguisher – The chemicals used in this foam type fire extinguisher are sodium bicarbonate and aluminium sulphate. The main container is filled with sodium bicarbonate, whereas the inner container is filled with aluminium sulphate.

liquefied petroleum gas

LPG is a gas at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperatures, but it can be liquefied when moderate pressure is applied or when the temperature is sufficiently reduced.

Your mother uses cooking gas.