Water for fire streams is converted to steam at _________ degrees Fahrenheit and expands approximately ________ times

Water for fire streams is converted to steam at _________ degrees Fahrenheit and expands approximately ________ times

• A. 212, 1700
• B. 100, 1800
• C. 250, 1200
• D. 212, 1600

Answer: (A)

Water boils at 212°F at sea level. When that water turns to steam, its volume swells dramatically—roughly 1700 times the liquid volume. This huge expansion happens because steam is a low-density gas, so the same amount of water occupies a vastly larger space once it vaporizes. In interior fire attack scenarios, this rapid production of steam explains why a small amount of boiling water can fill a room with steam, displace air, and alter heat and visibility conditions. The numbers assume standard atmospheric pressure; changes in pressure raise the boiling point and alter the expansion ratio.

Water boils at 212°F at sea level. When that water turns to steam, its volume swells dramatically—roughly 1700 times the liquid volume. This huge expansion happens because steam is a low-density gas, so the same amount of water occupies a vastly larger space once it vaporizes. In interior fire attack scenarios, this rapid production of steam explains why a small amount of boiling water can fill a room with steam, displace air, and alter heat and visibility conditions. The numbers assume standard atmospheric pressure; changes in pressure raise the boiling point and alter the expansion ratio.