What are Class B fires?

Class B fires are characterized by their involvement with flammable liquids and gases, such as gasoline, oil, varnishes, and alcohol. These types of fires require specific extinguishing methods that are distinct from those used for other classes of fire. Class B extinguishing agents, like foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide, work by smothering the fire or removing oxygen, which is crucial since these fires can be particularly hazardous due to the volatility of the materials involved.

When considering the other options, combustible metals represent a different category entirely, categorized as Class D fires. Fires that leave ash, typically from organic materials like wood or paper, are classified as Class A fires, while electrical fires caused by wiring issues fall under Class C fires. Understanding the classification of fires is important for determining the appropriate firefighting strategy and ensuring firefighter safety.