What type of materials are involved in Class D fires?

Class D fires involve combustible metals and alloys, which require special handling when it comes to fire situations. These types of materials are not common in typical fires and include substances such as magnesium, titanium, potassium, and sodium. The unique aspects of Class D fires stem from the fact that these metals can ignite and burn at very high temperatures, and they often react violently with water, producing flammable hydrogen gas.

Because of their specific properties, Class D fires are extinguished using dry powder agents specifically designed to suppress metal fires, rather than using water or traditional extinguishing agents that may exacerbate the situation. Understanding the characteristics and behavior of combustible metals is crucial for firefighters to ensure effective and safe firefighting methods in these scenarios.