What is the primary purpose of a Class B fire extinguisher?

The primary purpose of a Class B fire extinguisher is to extinguish flammable liquid fires. Class B extinguishers are specifically formulated to handle fires that involve liquids such as gasoline, oil, paint, or solvents. These types of fires can be particularly hazardous, as flammable liquids can spread rapidly and create larger fires if not contained quickly. The agents used in Class B extinguishers, such as foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide, work effectively to suffocate the flames and prevent re-ignition by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire.

Understanding the specific function of each class of fire extinguisher is crucial for effective fire safety, as using the wrong type could not only fail to extinguish the fire but could also escalate the situation, particularly when it comes to flammable liquids that can spread or react dangerously with certain extinguishing agents.