Which type of explosion results from a fire engulfing a bulk liquid?

In the context of fire dynamics and explosion types, a BLEVE, or "Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion," occurs when a container holding a liquid that is under pressure fails due to a fire or extreme heat. When a bulk liquid is engulfed in fire, the heat can cause the liquid to vaporize quickly. If the pressure within the container exceeds its design limits, the container may rupture. This sudden release of pressurized vapor can lead to a powerful explosion, characterized by a rapid expansion of gas and fireball.

The significance of a BLEVE lies in its potential for extensive damage since the explosion is often accompanied by fragments of the container and the ignition of flammable materials in the vicinity. Understanding this phenomenon is critical for fire investigators and safety professionals as they assess risks in settings where large volumes of pressurized liquids are stored or handled. The specific nature of a BLEVE involves the interplay of heat, pressure, and the physical state of the substances involved, making it a distinctive and critical type of explosion to recognize in fire scenarios.