What are the typical components of Class B fire extinguishing agents?

Class B fire extinguishing agents are specifically designed to combat flammable liquid fires, which include materials such as gasoline, oil, and other solvents. The correct answer highlights the typical components used to effectively suppress these types of fires.

Foam is effective because it forms a blanket over flammable liquids, preventing oxygen from reaching the fire and cooling the liquid surface. Carbon dioxide is utilized as it displaces oxygen, and when used on a flammable liquid fire, it helps to suffocate the flame. Dry chemical agents, such as those containing ammonium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate, or potassium bicarbonate, interrupt the combustion process by chemically altering the flame.

The combination of these three components—foam, carbon dioxide, and dry chemical agents—provides a versatile approach to extinguishing Class B fires effectively. Each component plays a unique role in suppression, making them essential in firefighting strategy for these types of fires.