In the North American fire classification system, which type of fire involves flammable and combustible liquids and gases?

The classification of fires is essential for understanding how to effectively combat them, and in the North American fire classification system, fire involving flammable and combustible liquids and gases is categorized as Class B fires. This classification includes materials such as gasoline, oils, solvents, and other liquid fuels that can ignite and burn fiercely.

Class B fires require specific extinguishing agents, typically those that can remove oxygen or suppress the chemical reaction, like foam, dry chemical extinguishers, or carbon dioxide. This is essential because using water, which is often effective for other classes of fires, can exacerbate Class B fires by spreading the flammable liquid or causing the burning material to float and spread further.

Understanding this classification helps firefighters and responders to select the appropriate firefighting methods and equipment necessary for controlling and extinguishing these types of fires effectively.