What are class B fires characterized by?

Class B fires are characterized by the burning of flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, paint, and other substances that can produce vapors that are capable of igniting. These types of fires are particularly dangerous because the liquid can spread rapidly and the vapors can ignite at a distance from the original source of the fire. Fires in this class are typically extinguished using foam, dry chemical, or CO2 fire extinguishers, which are specifically designed to combat flammable liquid fires.

In contrast, Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, and cloth, while Class C fires pertain to electrical equipment, which requires a different approach to extinguishing. Class D fires focus on combustible metals, which also present unique challenges in firefighting. Understanding the classifications of fire is crucial for effective fire response and safety measures.