Class D Fires: Combustible Metals

The unique danger of Class D fires stems from the chemical reactivity of the burning metal. Unlike carbon-based fuels, many metals are powerful reducing agents and can strip oxygen from water (H₂O) or carbon dioxide (CO₂). For example, burning magnesium reacts with water in a highly exothermic reaction: \(Mg (s) + H_2O (g) \rightarrow MgO (s) + H_2 (g)\). The hydrogen gas produced is itself extremely flammable, leading to a violent explosion. This makes traditional firefighting methods not only ineffective but dangerously counterproductive.

Extinguishing Class D fires requires agents that will not react with the burning metal. These are typically dry powders, not to be confused with the dry chemical agents used for Class A, B, and C fires. Class D agents work by smothering the fire, forming a crust that excludes oxygen, and by absorbing heat. Common agents include sodium chloride (NaCl) based powders (like Met-L-X), graphite-based powders (G-1), and copper-based powders, with the specific choice depending on the type of metal burning. For instance, copper powder is particularly effective on lithium fires.

The rise of technologies like lithium-ion batteries has brought Class D fire safety into sharper focus. While a battery fire is complex, it often involves the combustion of lithium, requiring Class D-rated extinguishing agents and strategies.