Which extinguisher is specifically used to combat Class D fires?

Class D fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, and titanium, which require special handling because they do not behave like typical combustible materials. The use of a dry chemical extinguisher is particularly effective in combating these types of fires because it uses dry powder agents specifically designed to smother the fire and absorb the heat produced during combustion.

Dry chemical agents can effectively extinguish Class D fires by isolating the combustible metal from oxygen and preventing the reaction that sustains the fire. It’s crucial to use the proper extinguishing agent for Class D fires, as other types of extinguishers, like foam, water, or carbon dioxide, may not only be ineffective but could also exacerbate the situation by causing violent reactions with certain combustible metals. Therefore, the dry chemical extinguisher is essential for safely and effectively handling such incidents.