It is observed at petrol pumps and airports, that hydrocarbon fire extinguishers are used, instead of soda-acid fire extinguisher. Give reasons why.

At petrol pumps and airports, there is more probability of fire break out due to oil. In such situations, soda-acid fire extinguisher does not work as it contains water or uses water to take off fire by cooling down the place. Water being heavier than oil sinks to bottom and hence, fire does not get controlled. In such a case, hydrocarbon fire extinguisher is very useful, as it contains turkey red oil, which causes the foaming of carbon dioxide gas under pressure. The foam covers the surface of the burning substances and dispels the supply of air to control fire.