Which type of fire requires a foam extinguisher for effective control?

A foam extinguisher is specifically designed to combat flammable liquid fires, such as those involving petrol, oils, and solvents. These types of fires are classified as Class B fires. Foam extinguishers work by creating a blanket of foam that suppresses the fire by excluding oxygen and cooling the fuel surface, effectively preventing the release of flammable vapors that can reignite.

Other types of fires require different approaches to extinguishment. For instance, electrical fires should be handled with non-conductive agents, such as carbon dioxide or dry chemical extinguishers, to prevent shock hazards. Wood fires, classified as Class A fires, are typically extinguished with water or multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers. Metal fires, which involve combustible metals, often require specialized extinguishing agents, like Class D extinguishers, since conventional methods can exacerbate these fires. Understanding the appropriate type of extinguisher for the fire class is crucial for effective firefighting and safety.