What should never be used to extinguish a gasoline fire on a boat?

Using water to extinguish a gasoline fire on a boat is extremely dangerous and ineffective. Water is denser than gasoline, which causes gasoline to float on its surface. When water is poured onto a gasoline fire, it can cause the flames to spread over a larger area, increasing the risk of the fire becoming uncontrollable. Additionally, the steam generated when water comes into contact with burning gasoline can create explosive conditions.

In contrast, fire extinguishers specifically designed for flammable liquid fires (like those containing dry chemicals) are formulated to smother the flames and reduce the temperature, effectively extinguishing the fire without spreading it. A bucket of sand can also be an effective method for smothering a fire by cutting off the oxygen supply. Therefore, it's critical to avoid using water on gasoline fires and instead utilize the appropriate extinguishing methods.