What type of fires does a class B designation refer to?

A Class B fire designation refers specifically to fires that involve flammable liquids and gases. This includes substances like gasoline, oil, grease, and various chemicals that can ignite and burn. Understanding the classification of fires is crucial for effective emergency response, as it helps determine the appropriate extinguishing agents to use. For instance, using water to put out a Class B fire could be dangerous, as it may spread the flames further. Instead, Class B fires often require specialized extinguishing agents like foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide to safely extinguish the flames and prevent re-ignition.