Which extinguisher is designed for metal fires, such as magnesium, and if a class D extinguisher is not available, sand or dirt can be used for class D fires?

• A. Water Based
• B. K
• C. ABC
• D. ABCD

Answer: (D)

Fights for metal fires (Class D) rely on a dry powder designed specifically for metals. That special powder coats and cools the burning metal, interrupting the chemical reaction and sealing off the fuel from heat and oxygen. If a Class D extinguisher isn’t available, sand or dirt can smother the fire by piling up around it and cutting off oxygen.

Water-based extinguishers are unsafe for metal fires because water can react with burning metals, sometimes producing hydrogen gas or a violent flare. A K extinguisher is for cooking oil fires, not metals. A general ABC extinguisher covers many common fires but isn’t typically rated for metal fires. The option that includes the D rating is the one designed to handle metal fires, making it the best fit here.