When fighting a fire involving oily rags, which type of extinguisher is appropriate?

When fighting a fire involving oily rags, which type of extinguisher is appropriate?

• A. Class A
• B. Class C
• C. Class D
• D. Class B

Answer: (D)

Fires from oily rags are considered flammable-liquid fires. The appropriate extinguisher for this type of fire is one designed for flammable liquids, which targets hydrocarbons like oils and solvents and works by interrupting the burning process and removing the fuel from the flame. Water should not be used on oil fires because it can spread the burning oil. The other classes are for different kinds of fires—ordinary combustibles, electrical, and combustible metals—so they aren’t suitable for oily rags.

Fires from oily rags are considered flammable-liquid fires. The appropriate extinguisher for this type of fire is one designed for flammable liquids, which targets hydrocarbons like oils and solvents and works by interrupting the burning process and removing the fuel from the flame. Water should not be used on oil fires because it can spread the burning oil. The other classes are for different kinds of fires—ordinary combustibles, electrical, and combustible metals—so they aren’t suitable for oily rags.