Which type of fire requires a Class D extinguisher for proper handling?

Class D fire extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires involving combustible metals, which includes alkali metals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These types of metals can burn at very high temperatures and react violently with water and other common extinguishing agents. Therefore, a Class D extinguisher uses dry powder agents that are effective at smothering and absorbing heat from these specific metals without causing an explosive reaction.

Understanding fire classifications is crucial. Electrical fires, flammable liquid fires, and paper fires are classified differently and require specific types of extinguishers. For instance, electrical fires are dealt with using Class C extinguishers, flammable liquid fires fall under Class B, and paper fires are typically addressed with Class A extinguishers. Each type has its own unique characteristics that make them suitable for particular materials, underscoring the importance of using the correct extinguisher for the class of fire present.