What are Class D fires primarily associated with?

Class D fires are primarily associated with combustible metals, such as sodium, magnesium, and potassium. These metals can ignite and burn at extremely high temperatures, often reacting violently with water or moisture. Fire extinguishing agents for Class D fires differ significantly from those used for other classes of fires, as water can exacerbate the situation instead of extinguishing the fire. Specialized dry powder extinguishing agents are used specifically for Class D fires to prevent further reactions and control combustion.

In contrast, flammable liquids are categorized as Class B fires, which require different extinguishing strategies. Electrical equipment fires belong to Class C, and ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper, are classified as Class A fires. Understanding these classifications helps firefighters determine the appropriate response and extinguishing methods for specific types of fires.