What does a class B fire consist of?

A Class B fire is specifically characterized by the burning of flammable liquids, which include substances like gasoline, oil, paint, and solvents. These liquids are capable of igniting and spreading flames due to their volatile nature. Fire extinguishers categorized for Class B fires are designed to combat these types of fires effectively, using materials such as foam or dry chemical agents that can smother the flames or interrupt the chemical reaction occurring in the fire.

Understanding the classification of fires is crucial for both safety and effective firefighting. For example, Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, whereas Class B fires necessitate different suppression tactics due to the characteristics of the burning materials. This differentiation is essential for selecting the appropriate firefighting methods and equipment, ensuring that the right type of extinguisher is available to deal with specific fire scenarios safely and effectively.