What are Class D fires?

Class D fires are specifically associated with combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, sodium, and potassium. These types of fires require special handling and extinguishing methods because they can burn at extremely high temperatures and often react violently with water.

Using water or common fire extinguishing agents on Class D fires can actually exacerbate the situation by causing explosive reactions, making it crucial for firefighters to use specialized extinguishing agents designed for metal fires, such as dry powder extinguishers that smother the fire without reacting with the burning metal.

In contrast, other classes of fires involve different materials, like cooking oils and fats in Class K fires, electrical equipment in Class C fires, and ordinary combustibles like wood in Class A fires. Understanding that Class D fires pertain specifically to certain metals is vital for effective fire response and safety protocols.