What class of fire involves sodium and magnesium?

Class D fires involve flammable metals such as sodium and magnesium. These types of fires are particularly hazardous and require special firefighting techniques and agents, as they cannot be extinguished using water or standard fire-fighting chemicals.

Sodium and magnesium burn at extremely high temperatures and react violently with water. Therefore, using water on a Class D fire can lead to explosive reactions, making it essential to use the appropriate extinguishing agents specifically designed for metal fires. Specialized dry powder extinguishers are typically used to smother Class D fires and prevent oxygen from reaching the burning material.

In contrast, Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles like wood or paper, Class B fires involve flammable liquids, and Class C fires involve electrical equipment. Each class requires a different approach to firefighting based on the materials involved, highlighting the importance of understanding the nature of each class to ensure safety and effective response.