What is the primary use of Class B foam in firefighting?

Class B foam is specifically formulated for use in situations involving flammable liquid fires, such as those fueled by gasoline, oils, and other hydrocarbons. The primary advantage of using Class B foam is its ability to suppress flames by creating a concentrated layer of foam over the flammable liquid, effectively cutting off the fire’s access to oxygen. This action not only helps to extinguish the fire quickly but also prevents the re-ignition of the burning liquid.

Additionally, Class B foam can suppress vapors, which is crucial in mitigating the risk of explosion that can occur with volatile substances. This foam works by smothering the fire while also cooling the surrounding surfaces, making it a vital tool in the firefighting arsenal for tackling liquid fires in various environments, including industrial and transportation incidents.

Thus, its primary use in firefighting directly relates to effectively combating flammable liquid fires, providing both fire suppression and vapor reduction capabilities.