Which extinguishing agents are commonly used in Class B fires?

Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and solvents. When combating these types of fires, it's crucial to utilize extinguishing agents that effectively cut off the fire's oxygen supply or suppress its combustion process without spreading it further.

Foam is particularly effective on Class B fires because it creates a blanket over the burning liquid, thus smothering the flames and preventing vapor release. Carbon dioxide is another suitable agent, as it displaces oxygen in the environment around the fire, effectively starving the fire of the necessary oxygen to sustain combustion. Dry chemical agents, such as those containing sodium bicarbonate or monoammonium phosphate, are also appropriate for Class B fires since they interrupt the chemical reaction of combustion.

Halon substitutes are recognized for their capability to extinguish fires by interrupting the chemical process of combustion, similar to halon itself but with less environmental impact. Their effectiveness in Class B scenarios makes them a valuable choice.

While other extinguishing agents like water can sometimes be used in Class B situations, it is generally not recommended as it may spread the burning liquid or create additional hazards, such as steam explosions, especially if the burning liquid is lighter than water. Therefore, the combination of foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical agents,