Florida Fire State Practice Exam

Which class of fire extinguishers is specifically designated for use on metal fires?

1. Class A

2. Class B

3. Class C

4. Class D

The correct answer is: Class D

Class D fire extinguishers are specifically designed for use on fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium. These types of metal fires behave differently from other fire classes because they can react violently with water or other common extinguishing agents. Class D extinguishers utilize dry powder agents to smother the fire, thereby preventing the metal from coming into contact with oxygen or other reactions that can exacerbate the fire. The unique formulation of these powders is tailored to address the particular challenges posed by metal fires, making Class D extinguishers essential for environments where these materials are handled or stored, such as metalworking facilities. Understanding the specific requirements for extinguishing different types of fires is crucial for safety and effective fire response. The other classes, which include A for ordinary combustibles, B for flammable liquids, and C for electrical fires, do not address the unique reactivity of combustible metals and therefore are not suitable for use on Class D fires.