What type of fire extinguisher should be used on liquid fires?

The appropriate choice for extinguishing liquid fires is Type B fire extinguishers. These extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires that involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, and solvents. Type B extinguishers are often filled with agents such as foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide (CO2), which smother the fire by cutting off its oxygen supply and preventing the flammable liquid from igniting further.

Type A extinguishers are intended for ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, and cloth, which means they are not suitable for liquid fires. Type C extinguishers are designed for electrical fires, while Type D extinguishers are used for combustible metals. Utilizing the correct type of fire extinguisher is crucial for effective fire suppression and safety.