What type of fire is a class D fire extinguisher specifically used for?

A Class D fire extinguisher is specifically designed to combat fires involving combustible metals, which can include substances like magnesium, titanium, and sodium. These materials burn at extremely high temperatures and react differently than more common flammable substances. When combustible metals ignite, they often create a fire that cannot be extinguished using water or standard extinguishing agents.

Class D extinguishing agents, typically made of dry powder chemicals such as sodium chloride or copper powder, smother the fire by covering it and preventing it from receiving the oxygen it needs to continue burning. This specialized approach is crucial in emergency situations involving combustible metals, where the wrong type of extinguisher could exacerbate the fire instead of controlling it.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different types of hazards that require distinct fire extinguishing methods. Flammable liquids and combustible materials would typically be addressed by Class B extinguishers, while electrical fires fall under Class C. Therefore, understanding Class D is essential for proper fire safety management in environments dealing with metals that are prone to combustion.