What does the term Class B fire refer to in firefighting?

The term Class B fire specifically refers to fires that involve flammable liquids and gases, such as gasoline, oil, alcohol, and various solvents. These types of fires have unique characteristics that require specific extinguishing methods and agents. For instance, water is ineffective on Class B fires, as it can spread the burning liquid and make the fire worse. Instead, suppressants like foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide are used to smother the flames and inhibit oxygen from fueling the fire. Understanding the classification of fires is essential for firefighters to select the appropriate firefighting techniques and equipment to safely and effectively extinguish the flames.

In contrast, the other classifications address different materials: fires involving wood and paper fall under Class A, electrical equipment fires are classified as Class C, and combustible metals are categorized as Class D. Each class has tailored approaches for firefighting, making it crucial for personnel to identify the fire class correctly.