Which type of fire requires the most attention when selecting an extinguisher?

Combustible metal fires, such as those involving magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and sodium, require specialized extinguishing agents and methods due to the unique and hazardous behavior of metals when they ignite. Unlike common fires, combustible metal fires can burn at extremely high temperatures and may react violently with water or other common extinguishing agents, which can exacerbate the fire or create toxic gases.

Using an inappropriate extinguisher on a combustible metal fire can lead to dangerous situations, making it critical to use specific extinguishing agents designed for such fires, like dry powder extinguishers. These agents are formulated to smother the burning metal and avoid reactions that can occur with water or foams. As a result, choosing the right extinguisher for a combustible metal fire is of utmost importance to ensure safety and effective fire suppression.

This is also why the other fire types, while they have their own considerations, generally have more conventional extinguishing approaches that are widely taught and understood in fire safety training, such as using water or foam for ordinary combustibles or carbon dioxide for electrical fires.