Re: Chernobyl first response

[Emil Kerrembaev <kerrembaev@nscl.msu.edu>]

Do not forget to mention, that at Chernobyl Plant was a graphite moderated
reactor.  I don't think you have those in your place.  And the firemen were
VERY surprised, when they put the water on hot graphite ( about 1500 C and
more) and they got the opposite, than they were expecting, result. The
water only supported the fire.
The fire on the roof of the turbine hall (compartment) was a regular fire,
but was more critical. If the firemen wouldn't stop it, from spreading,
then probably all four reactors would be damaged.
Hope this will help.

Emil.
kerrembaev@nscl.msu.edu