Class D metals example?

• A. Magnesium
• B. Wood
• C. Oil
• D. Glass

Answer: (A)

Class D fires involve combustible metals, which burn differently from ordinary fuels and require specialized suppression. Magnesium is a classic example of a metal that can ignite and burn with intense heat, fitting the Class D category. Water is dangerous on these fires because metals like magnesium react with water to produce hydrogen gas, which can explode or flare up. That’s why metal fires are tackled with dry powder extinguishing agents designed specifically for Class D fires, which smother the flame and absorb heat without triggering dangerous reactions.

The other options don’t fit the metal-fire category: wood is a typical Class A fuel (ordinary combustibles), oil is a Class B liquid fuel, and glass is noncombustible. So magnesium is the correct metal example for Class D.