Which category of fire does a Class B fire extinguisher target?

A Class B fire extinguisher is specifically designed to combat fires fueled by flammable liquids and gases. These can include substances such as gasoline, oil, grease, and solvents, which are common in both industrial and residential settings. The extinguishing agents used in Class B extinguishers, such as foam, CO2, or dry chemical powder, work by suffocating the fire and preventing it from coming into contact with oxygen, which is essential for combustion.

When addressing the other categories, a Class A extinguisher would be more suitable for ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth, as it uses water or foam. Electrical fires require a Class C extinguisher, which is specially formulated to safely extinguish fires caused by energized electrical equipment. Lastly, fires involving combustible metals, like magnesium or sodium, necessitate a Class D extinguisher, which contains agents specifically designed for metal fires. Hence, the selection of the right extinguisher directly correlates with the type of material that is burning.