What type of combustible materials are categorized in Class B fires?

Class B fires are specifically categorized by the presence of flammable liquids and gases. This classification includes materials such as gasoline, oil, paint, and solvents, which can ignite and burn rapidly. The chemistry behind this involves the volatility of these substances; they produce flammable vapors that can ignite at room temperature, making them particularly dangerous in a fire scenario.

On the other hand, organic materials, electrical materials, and combustible solids fall into different classes of fires. Organic materials like wood or paper are typically categorized under Class A fires, which deal with ordinary combustibles. Electrical materials relate to Class C fires, which involve live electrical equipment, while combustible solids are also primarily associated with Class A. Understanding these classifications is essential for effective fire response and safety strategies, ensuring the right type of extinguisher or suppression method is used for each fire class.