Which type of fire involves combustible metals and requires special extinguishing agents?

Fires involving combustible metals are classified as Class D fires. This category includes materials such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium, which can ignite and burn at extremely high temperatures. The unique nature of these metals poses specific challenges, as they often react violently with water and conventional extinguishing agents.

Therefore, specialized extinguishing agents, such as dry powder extinguishers specifically designed for metal fires, are needed to safely control or extinguish these types of fires. These agents do not contain water and often consist of materials like sodium chloride or other compounds that isolate the fuel from the oxygen required for combustion. Understanding the appropriate methods to combat Class D fires is crucial for safety in environments where these metals are present.