What is a recommended tactic for suppressing a dumpster fire?

Using water to suppress a dumpster fire is a recommended tactic because it effectively cools the burning materials and helps to extinguish the flames. Water works by absorbing heat, lowering the temperature of the burning items in the dumpster below their ignition point. It's important to apply water directly to the source of the fire to ensure that the flames are adequately snuffed out.

Additionally, suppressing a dumpster fire with water can also prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent structures or materials, which is crucial in maintaining safety and preventing further damage. It’s essential for firefighters to use sufficient water flow to ensure the entire fire is extinguished rather than just cooling the surface, which could result in a rekindle.

The other options do not provide effective means of extinguishing a fire. Filling a container with gasoline would exacerbate the situation, making the fire significantly worse. Covering the dumpster with a tarp would not eliminate the fire and may trap heat, potentially leading to an increased danger. While removing nearby flammable materials is a good practice for fire safety, it does not directly address the suppression of the existing fire in the dumpster itself.