Identify a common method of fire extinguishment for combustible metal fires.

Identify a common method of fire extinguishment for combustible metal fires.

• A. Using a water-based extinguisher
• B. Using a foam extinguisher
• C. Using a Class D fire extinguisher specifically designed for metals
• D. Using a standard dry chemical extinguisher

Answer: (C)

Combustible metal fires, which involve metals like magnesium, sodium, or aluminum, require a specific approach to extinguishment due to the unique properties of these materials. The correct answer is the use of a Class D fire extinguisher, which is specifically designed to handle fires involving combustible metals. Class D extinguishers contain agents such as dry powder that can smother the fire and interrupt the combustion process without reacting dangerously with the metal. This is crucial because using unsuitable extinguishing agents, such as water or foam, can actually exacerbate the fire by causing violent chemical reactions. Similarly, standard dry chemical extinguishers are not effective against combustible metals because they may not adequately suppress the fire or may even produce hazardous reactions. Therefore, utilizing a Class D fire extinguisher is essential for safely and effectively extinguishing fires involving combustible metals, making it the appropriate choice in such scenarios.

Combustible metal fires, which involve metals like magnesium, sodium, or aluminum, require a specific approach to extinguishment due to the unique properties of these materials. The correct answer is the use of a Class D fire extinguisher, which is specifically designed to handle fires involving combustible metals.

Class D extinguishers contain agents such as dry powder that can smother the fire and interrupt the combustion process without reacting dangerously with the metal. This is crucial because using unsuitable extinguishing agents, such as water or foam, can actually exacerbate the fire by causing violent chemical reactions. Similarly, standard dry chemical extinguishers are not effective against combustible metals because they may not adequately suppress the fire or may even produce hazardous reactions.

Therefore, utilizing a Class D fire extinguisher is essential for safely and effectively extinguishing fires involving combustible metals, making it the appropriate choice in such scenarios.