What is a characteristic of Class D fires?

Class D fires are specifically characterized by the combustion of combustible metals. This category includes metals such as magnesium, titanium, sodium, and potassium, which are known for their ability to ignite and burn at very high temperatures. The unique aspect of Class D fires is that they require specific extinguishing agents, often dry powder agents, since water can react violently with many of these metals.

Each other class of fire relates to different materials: for instance, Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles (like wood and paper), Class B fires pertain to flammable liquids (such as gasoline and oils), and Class K fires are associated with cooking media, particularly in commercial kitchens. Understanding the classification of fires is essential for appropriate firefighting tactics, as the wrong type of extinguishing agent can exacerbate a Class D fire. Therefore, fire inspectors and firefighters must be knowledgeable about the characteristics of each class of fire to ensure safety and effective response.