2ndly—The conversion of water into steam, draws off the heat of the burning fuel.
Q. Why does a little water make a fire fiercer, while a larger quantity of water puts it out?
A. Water is composed of oxygen and hydrogen; when, therefore, the fire can decompose the water into its simple elements, it serves for fuel to the flame.
Q. How can water serve for fuel to fire?
A. The hydrogen of the water will burn with a flame; and the oxygen of the water will increase the intensity of that flame.
Q. If a house be on fire, is too little water worse than no water at all?
A. Certainly. Unless the water be supplied so plentifully as to quench the fire, it will increase the intensity, like fuel.
Q. When will water extinguish fire?
A. When the supply is so rapid and abundant, that the fire cannot convert it into steam.