What is a BLEVE?

A BLEVE, or Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion, occurs when a container holding a pressurized liquid that is above its boiling point fails. This failure typically happens due to heating, such as from a fire, leading to an explosive release of the pressurized vapor and liquid. The phenomenon is characterized by the rapid expansion of the vapor generated from the boiling liquid as it turns to gas and escapes the container, which can result in a significant explosion and fireball.

In the context of firefighting, understanding a BLEVE is crucial because it poses a significant risk at fire scenes, especially with pressurized containers like propane tanks or LPG cylinders. When responding to incidents involving such containers, firefighters must recognize the signs of potential BLEVE to take appropriate safety measures and mitigate the risk of explosions, including maintaining safe distances and cooling the containers to prevent the onset of a BLEVE.

The other options do not accurately describe this violent explosive event, but rather seem to focus on misinterpretations or terms that don't exist in firefighting terminology. Knowing the proper definition of BLEVE is essential for managing risks in fire scenarios involving pressurized liquids.