Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, and potassium are which fire class?

Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, and potassium are which fire class?

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

Answer: (D)

Fires involving combustible metals are Class D. These metals—like magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, and potassium—burn at very high temperatures and can react violently with water or many common extinguishing agents. To safely suppress them, responders use specialized dry powder extinguishing agents designed for metal fires, which smother the flame and prevent reaction with air. Ordinary combustibles are Class A, flammable liquids are Class B, and energized electrical equipment is Class C, so those options don’t fit these metal-fire scenarios. Water is generally avoided on metal fires because it can cause dangerous reactions, especially with reactive metals.

Fires involving combustible metals are Class D. These metals—like magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, and potassium—burn at very high temperatures and can react violently with water or many common extinguishing agents. To safely suppress them, responders use specialized dry powder extinguishing agents designed for metal fires, which smother the flame and prevent reaction with air. Ordinary combustibles are Class A, flammable liquids are Class B, and energized electrical equipment is Class C, so those options don’t fit these metal-fire scenarios. Water is generally avoided on metal fires because it can cause dangerous reactions, especially with reactive metals.