For a tire and wheel fire, can CO2 be used?

Using CO2 for a tire and wheel fire is a tactic that can be effective, provided it is not applied directly to the wheel. CO2 is a fire suppressant that displaces oxygen and can effectively smother flames. When dealing with tire fires, it is critical to avoid applying CO2 directly to the wheel because the extreme cold of CO2 can cause rapid cooling and potentially lead to damage of the tire materials or other components.

The proper application of CO2 should focus on surrounding areas to cut off the oxygen supply to the fire instead of blasting the wheel itself. This helps mitigate the risk of damage while still utilizing the fire-extinguishing properties of CO2. As a result, understanding the characteristics of both CO2 and the materials involved in a tire and wheel assembly can guide effective fire response strategies.