What type of fire is classified as a Class B fire?

Class B fires are specifically associated with flammable liquids and gases, which include substances like gasoline, oil, paint, and solvents. These fires require particular extinguishing agents designed to combat this category effectively, often involving chemicals that can suppress flames without causing further hazards, such as foam or dry chemical extinguishers.

Understanding the classification is crucial for firefighting and safety protocols, as the effectiveness of the extinguishing agent greatly depends on the type of fire. For instance, using water on a Class B fire can be extremely dangerous, as it may spread the flames and exacerbate the situation. Thus, recognizing that Class B fires specifically involve flammable liquids helps in selecting the correct firefighting measures and ensuring safety during an incident.

The other classifications, while important, cover distinctly different materials or types of fires: ordinary combustibles, electrical equipment, and combustible metals constitute Classes A, C, and D, respectively, and each has its own set of considerations for fire safety and extinguishing methods.