Mixtures for fire extinguishing, processes and apparatus employing bromodifluoromethane

Fire extinguishing methods, compositions and systems are disclosed which provide for efficacious fire extinguishment with minimal environmental hazard. The methods employ compositions comprising bromodifluoromethane alone or in combination with at least one other fluorocarbon fire extinguishant. Many of the extinguishant mixtures display synergistic fire fighting efficacy, and representative fluorocarbons for use with the bromodifluoromethane include bromotrifluoromethane, bromochlorodifluoromethane, heptafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane, pentafluoroethane, 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, dibromodifluoromethane, dibromotetrafluoroethane, chloropentafluoroethane, 2-bromo-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, C2F6, C3F8, C4F10, 1-bromo-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and mixtures thereof. In addition, a compatible propellant may be employed. The compositions themselves and systems charged with such compositions are also disclosed. The compositions are characterized by surprising fire extinguishing efficacy, low toxicity and ozone depletion potential, and minimal production of deleterious decomposition products.