Which extinguisher class is used for combustible metals?

• A. Class A
• B. Class B
• C. Class C
• D. Class D

Answer: (D)

When fires involve combustible metals, you need a extinguishing agent that is specifically designed for metal fires. This is because metals burn in ways that ordinary extinguishers can’t safely or effectively handle. The Class D extinguisher uses a special dry powder that coats the metal, cools it, and disrupts the chemical reactions taking place, preventing the metal from continuing to burn. This type is suitable for metals such as magnesium, titanium, sodium, potassium, aluminum, and lithium. Using water or standard extinguishing agents on a metal fire can be dangerous or ineffective, and won’t stop the metal oxidation. So for combustible metal fires, the appropriate extinguisher is a Class D extinguisher.