Fires fueled by flammable liquids and gases are classified as which type?

Fires fueled by flammable liquids and gases, such as gasoline, oil, and solvents, are classified as Class B fires. This classification encompasses combustible materials that are not solid, like liquids and gases that produce flammable vapors. Understanding this classification is essential because fighting these types of fires requires methods that differ from those used for solid materials. For example, using water on a Class B fire is ineffective and potentially dangerous, as it can spread the flames. Instead, specialized extinguishing agents, such as foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide, are necessary to effectively suppress these fires. This highlights the importance of recognizing the nature of the fuel involved to ensure the correct firefighting approach is employed.