Which class of fires involves combustible metals?

Which class of fires involves combustible metals?

• A. Class A
• B. Class B
• C. Class C
• D. Class D

Answer: (D)

Fires involving combustible metals require a special extinguishing approach because metals burn at very high temperatures and can react violently with water or common extinguishing agents. The only safe and effective method is to use a dry powder extinguishing agent designed for metal fires (or, in some cases, dry sand) to smother the metal and cut off its contact with air. This is why such fires are handled as a separate category: Class D fires. The other fire types cover ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment, which use different extinguishing methods and do not apply to metal fires.

Fires involving combustible metals require a special extinguishing approach because metals burn at very high temperatures and can react violently with water or common extinguishing agents. The only safe and effective method is to use a dry powder extinguishing agent designed for metal fires (or, in some cases, dry sand) to smother the metal and cut off its contact with air. This is why such fires are handled as a separate category: Class D fires. The other fire types cover ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment, which use different extinguishing methods and do not apply to metal fires.