Foamite-Childs Corp. v. Pyrene Mfg. Co.

The extinguishing of a fire of oil, varnish, gasoline, naphtha, or other volatile substances presents difficulties which do not exist in putting out the ordinary fire by water. Water thrown on an oil fire, being the heavier of the two, sinks to the bottom of the oil instead of blanketing the top.. If the oil is burning in a tank or container and a large quantity of water is thrown thereon, it causes, the oil to rise, overflow the tank, and spreads the fire. If the oil is confined in a tank, explosions from the generated and tank-contained gas burst the tank and spread the fire. Steam and…