Antoine Beauclair • 28 juin 2023

Fire and Magnesium: An Explosive Combination

First Responders Brave Danger Every Day.

The wonderful world of science never ceases to amaze us, especially when it collides with our everyday lives. One such intriguing intersection is the relationship between fire and magnesium, an element commonly found in car wheels, also known as 'mags'.


The term 'mag', for a rim, comes precisely from its magnesium content. Magnesium is a lightweight metal used in many applications, including aerospace, pharmaceuticals and, you guessed it, car rims. But did you know that fire and magnesium can make an explosive combination? Let us show you in our new video.

In this impressive video, you can see brave firefighters in action as they put out a car fire. But suddenly, the car's magnesium rims start to explode! This spectacle is due to the reaction of magnesium with fire.


When magnesium burns, it can reach temperatures of up to 3,000 degrees Celsius. It's almost impossible to extinguish with water. In fact, adding water can often make the situation worse, as the reaction produces hydrogen, which is also flammable.


It's at times like these that the role of our brave firefighters becomes crucial. They risk their lives every day to protect us from these and other dangers. We owe them our respect and gratitude.


At Beauclair Environnement, we understand the importance of managing hazardous materials safely and efficiently. We're committed to providing services that not only respect the environment, but also ensure everyone's safety. If you'd like to find out more about the responsible management of hazardous materials, visit our website. We have a wealth of information and resources available to help you.

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