What is the most appropriate foam application method for an accident involving an overturned tanker and ignited fuel?

The bank-down method is particularly effective in situations involving large spills, such as an overturned tanker with ignited fuel. This technique involves applying foam from a location higher than the fuel surface and allowing the foam to "bank down" onto the fuel, effectively creating a barrier between the fuel and the air. By doing this, it suppresses flammable vapors and prevents re-ignition, which is crucial in a scenario where there is a risk of fire spreading or the fuel igniting further.

In cases like these, the bank-down method helps ensure that a thick, continuous layer of foam is spread across the surface of the ignited fuel. This not only helps extinguish the fire more effectively but also protects firefighters from direct exposure to flames or hazardous fumes.

Other methods may be less suitable in this high-risk environment. For instance, blanket application provides a general cover but may not effectively suppress vapors in the dynamic situation of an overturned tanker. The foam nozzle technique, while useful in specific scenarios, may not deliver enough foam quickly enough to manage the intense heat and fire spread. Lastly, subsurface injection is generally reserved for particular types of fires and may not be applicable or safe in the case of an open flame with pooling fuel.

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