What type of fire extinguisher is preferred for chemical fires?

The preferred type of fire extinguisher for chemical fires is the dry chemical extinguisher. This type of extinguisher is effective in suppressing a wide range of fires, particularly those involving flammable liquids and reactive solids. The dry chemical agent works by interrupting the chemical reaction that sustains the fire, effectively smothering the flames and preventing re-ignition.

Water-based extinguishers are generally not suitable for chemical fires, particularly those involving flammable liquids, as they can spread the fire or cause hazardous reactions. Foam-based extinguishers, while useful for certain liquid fires, may not be effective against all types of chemical fires, particularly if the chemicals are water-reactive. CO2 extinguishers, while beneficial for electrical and flammable liquid fires, may not always be effective against chemical fires because they do not cool the burning material as effectively as dry chemicals do.

Thus, dry chemical extinguishers are the most versatile and effective for handling a broad range of chemical fire scenarios, making them the preferred choice.