What are Class B fires?

Class B fires are specifically characterized by their involvement with flammable liquids and gases. This category encompasses a variety of substances, including but not limited to oil, gasoline, paints, solvents, and any other material that can produce vapors capable of igniting and sustaining combustion.

The key to understanding Class B fires lies in recognizing their fuel source. Flammable liquids can create significant hazards due to their ability to spread quickly and the difficulty of extinguishing them using water. For instance, water can cause a flammable liquid fire to spread, as it may not effectively cool the substance or may even cause it to float and spread. Therefore, specialized firefighting techniques and agents, such as foam, dry chemical, or CO2 extinguishers, are often required to control or extinguish these fires.

This understanding differentiates Class B fires from other types, such as Class A, which involves ordinary combustibles like wood and paper; Class C, which pertains to electrical equipment; and Class D, which is associated with combustible metals. Each class represents a distinct fire hazard requiring specific response protocols and extinguishing methods.