What type of fires is Class B foam used for?

Class B foam is specifically formulated to combat flammable liquid fires, which include situations involving gasoline, oil, paint, and solvents. This type of foam works by forming a barrier over the flammable liquid, effectively smothering the flames and preventing the release of flammable vapors. The foam helps to cool the fire while also inhibiting re-ignition, making it particularly effective in controlling this kind of hazard.

Other types of fires, such as electrical fires, solid combustible fires, and kitchen grease fires, require different extinguishing agents or methods, as they do not involve flammable liquids in the same way or may require special considerations due to the type of fuel involved. For example, using foam on electrical fires can be dangerous due to the potential for electrical conductivity, while Class A foam is used for solid combustible fires such as wood and paper. Thus, Class B foam is essential for effective firefighting in scenarios involving flammable liquids.