What is the primary purpose of a Class D fire extinguisher?

A Class D fire extinguisher is specifically designed to extinguish fires that involve flammable metals, such as magnesium, titanium, sodium, and potassium. These metals pose unique fire hazards because they can burn at very high temperatures and may react violently with water or other common extinguishing agents.

The extinguishing agents in a Class D extinguisher, often made of dry powder, effectively smother the fire by creating a barrier between the combustible material and the environment, thereby controlling the metal's combustion reaction.

This focus on flammable metals is critical to prevent exacerbating the situation, as traditional extinguishing agents like water could worsen the fire or create additional hazards. Understanding the specific applications of various types of fire extinguishers is essential for safety in environments where these substances are present.