Which fire extinguisher is indicated by a solid yellow five-point star?

The solid yellow five-point star indicates a Class D fire extinguisher, which is specifically designed for extinguishing fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, or potassium. Each class of fire extinguisher is tailored to combat particular types of fires based on the materials involved.

Class D fires can be particularly dangerous and behave differently from other types of fires, as metals can ignite and burn at much higher temperatures than ordinary combustibles. This unique characteristic mandates special firefighting techniques and agents. Class D extinguishing agents are usually dry powders that work by smothering the flames and preventing oxygen from reaching the burning metal.

Understanding the classification of fire extinguishers is essential for effective fire suppression and ensures the correct type is used for the specific fire scenario. Using the wrong class of extinguisher can lead to ineffective firefighting and potential hazards, especially with reactive metals that can explode or intensify when certain extinguishing agents are applied.