What type of fire extinguisher is suitable for Class D fires?

Class D fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, and potassium. These types of fires require specific extinguishing agents that can effectively smother the flames without reacting adversely with the burning metal. Dry powder extinguishers are specifically designed for this purpose; they use a special dry powder that can cool the burning material and smother the flames, preventing oxygen from reaching the fire.

In contrast, water-based and foam-based extinguishers are inappropriate for Class D fires because they can react violently with combustible metals, potentially worsening the fire. Similarly, while CO2 extinguishers are effective for Class B and Class C fires, they are not suitable for Class D fires due to their lack of cooling properties and potential re-ignition of the metallic fire. Therefore, dry powder is the correct choice for tackling Class D fire incidents.