Which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for Class B fires?

A foam extinguisher is suitable for Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and paints. Foam works by creating a barrier between the fuel and the air, effectively smothering the fire and preventing reignition. It is designed to be effective on liquids that are not water-soluble, making it a key tool in extinguishing Class B fires.

Other types of extinguishers have specific uses that do not apply to Class B fires as effectively as foam extinguishers. For instance, water extinguishers are primarily intended for Class A fires involving ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, while wet chemical extinguishers are specifically designed for Class K fires involving cooking oils and fats. Dry powder extinguishers can be used for a variety of fire classes depending on the agent used, but foam extinguishers are explicitly engineered for liquid fuel fires. Therefore, using foam makes sense when tackling Class B fire situations.