Which fire extinguisher is used for chemical fires and is mostly found in chemical laboratories?

• A. Type A
• B. Type B
• C. Type C
• D. Type D

Answer: (D)

Fires involving certain metals require a extinguisher specifically designed for metal fires. In chemical laboratories where reactive metals (like sodium or magnesium) can ignite, the metal-fire extinguisher uses a dry powder that coats and isolates the burning metal, absorbs heat, and smothers the flame to stop the reaction. This type of extinguisher is tailored to handle metal fuels, which is why it’s the most appropriate choice in a lab setting dealing with chemical metals. Other extinguishers target different fuels—ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, or electrical fires—so they aren’t as effective for metal fires that can occur in chemistry work.