Which method is recommended for cooling down munitions in a fire?

The recommended method for cooling down munitions in a fire is to use a gentle spray of water or foam. This approach is advantageous because it allows for effective cooling without the risk of causing any violent reactions that might occur with more aggressive techniques. A gentle spray is less likely to disturb or agitate munitions, which could otherwise lead to unintended detonations or exacerbation of the fire.

Additionally, using foam can provide insulation to the munitions, reducing the heat transfer and helping to control the fire while simultaneously cooling the surrounding area. This method helps maintain safety for firefighting personnel and minimizes the risk to nearby equipment or facilities.

High-pressure water streams, while effective for certain types of fires, may be too forceful for munitions, creating the risk of fragmentation or even detonation. Covering with dirt can be useful in certain situations but is not the most effective in cooling munitions that are aflame. Fire extinguishing gel, although beneficial for certain classes of fires, may not provide the immediate cooling and temperature reduction necessary for munitions in this specific scenario. This makes the gentle spray of water or foam the most appropriate method.