What type of fire extinguisher is used for flammable liquids?

• A. Class A fire extinguisher
• B. Class B fire extinguisher
• C. Class C fire extinguisher
• D. Class D fire extinguisher

Answer: (B)

Fire extinguishers labeled for flammable liquids are designed to handle fires where fuels like gasoline, oil, or solvents are involved. These fires burn due to vapors produced by the liquid, so the goal is to either blanket the liquid surface to cut off the flame’s access to fuel or interrupt the chemical reaction happening at the flame. The agents used—such as foam, dry chemical powders, or CO2—are chosen because they act on liquids and vapors rather than solid fuels or energized electrical equipment. This is why this type of extinguisher is the right tool for flammable-liquid fires. In contrast, those designed for ordinary combustibles target wood and paper, those for electrical fires are used on energized equipment, and those for metal fires are for reactive metals, each suited to different fire scenarios. Using the wrong type can be ineffective or even dangerous, especially water on a flammable liquid fire, which can spread the liquid.