What type of materials are represented by Class D fires?

Class D fires are specifically associated with combustible metals. This classification is crucial in fire safety because these types of fires require specialized extinguishing agents that differ significantly from those used for other classes of fires. Combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium, can ignite and burn at extremely high temperatures, often creating hazardous conditions that standard fire suppression methods cannot handle effectively.

For example, water is ineffective and can even exacerbate the fire in many cases involving combustible metals, as it can react violently with certain metals. Therefore, a proper understanding of Class D fire materials is essential for selecting the appropriate firefighting techniques and equipment.

The other classifications referenced in the question—flammable liquids, electrical fires, and ordinary combustibles—belong to different fire classes. Flammable liquids are associated with Class B fires, electrical fires with Class C, and ordinary combustibles such as paper and wood with Class A. Understanding these distinctions is vital for effective fire prevention and response strategies.