For fires involving combustible metals, which class is used?

• A. Class A Fire Extinguisher
• B. Class B Fire Extinguisher
• C. Class C Fire Extinguisher
• D. Class D Fire Extinguisher

Answer: (D)

Fires involving combustible metals require a specialized extinguishing method because metal fires behave differently and can react with water or common extinguishing agents, sometimes with explosive results. For these fires you use a Class D extinguisher. It contains a dry powder formulated specifically for metal fires that cools the metal, absorbs heat, and forms a crust that helps isolate the fuel from oxygen. Avoid water-based extinguishers or standard agents on metal fires, since many metals react violently with water or other common extinguishing methods. Class A extinguishers tackle ordinary combustibles, Class B handles flammable liquids, and Class C covers energized electrical equipment, but they aren’t effective for metal fires. So, for fires involving combustible metals, a Class D extinguisher is the appropriate choice.