Which type of fire extinguisher is specifically used for Class B fires?

Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, and solvents. The extinguishing agents used for Class B fires need to effectively suppress burning liquids, preventing them from spreading or reigniting. Foam or dry chemical extinguishers are specifically designed for this purpose.

Foam extinguishers create a barrier over the burning liquid, suffocating the fire and preventing oxygen from reaching it. They also help to cool the surrounding area. Dry chemical extinguishers, on the other hand, interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire by dispersing an agent that can settle over the fuel's surface.

While both foam and dry chemical extinguishers are suitable for Class B fires, their effectiveness in combating these types of fires makes them particularly relevant. Other types of extinguishers, such as water extinguishers or carbon dioxide extinguishers, serve different types of fires. Water can spread flammable liquid fires, while carbon dioxide extinguishers are more effective for Class B fires, but they do not provide the same cooling or smothering capabilities as foam or dry chemical extinguishers.