What type of fires does Class D refer to?

Class D fires specifically refer to fires that involve combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium. These metals have unique burning characteristics and can ignite at high temperatures, often leading to very intense fires that require specialized extinguishing agents. Typical fire extinguishing methods like water or traditional foam extinguishers are ineffective and can sometimes exacerbate the situation, as water can react with certain metals to produce explosive reactions.

Understanding Class D fires is crucial for fire safety protocols, especially in industrial settings where these metals are commonly used. The correct type of extinguisher for Class D fires contains agents that can effectively smother or extinguish these fires without reacting adversely to the burning metal.