A magnesium fire is classified as which class of fire?

Magnesium fires are classified as Class D fires because they involve combustible metals. Class D fires specifically pertain to fires that are fueled by certain metals, including magnesium, titanium, sodium, and potassium. These metals require special extinguishing agents that are capable of handling the unique burning characteristics associated with metal fires. Water or standard fire extinguishers are ineffective against Class D fires and can even exacerbate the situation.

Understanding the classification of fires is crucial in workplace and environmental safety as it informs the appropriate response and firefighting methods needed to effectively control and extinguish the fire. The other classes, such as A, B, and C, deal with different types of materials: Class A is for ordinary combustibles, Class B is for flammable liquids, and Class C is for electrical fires, none of which would apply to magnesium or similar combustible metals.