Class B fires involve which of the following?

Class B fires specifically involve flammable or combustible liquids. This categorization includes materials such as gasoline, oil, paints, and solvents. Understanding the nature of these fires is crucial for firefighters because they require different extinguishing methods than other classes of fires.

Class B fire extinguishers are designed to use agents like foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical powders that can effectively suffocate or smother the flames, preventing oxygen from reaching the burning liquid. This is essential because water, which is commonly associated with fire suppression, can actually spread a Class B fire as it may cause flammable liquids to splash or evaporate, thereby increasing the fire's severity.

This category of fires highlights the need for specific training and equipment to handle incidents involving these types of materials safely.