What type of materials do Class B combustibles represent?

Class B combustibles represent flammable liquids. These materials include a wide range of liquids that can easily ignite and burn, such as gasoline, paint, oil, and solvents. Class B fires occur when these types of liquids catch fire and can spread rapidly, necessitating specific fire suppression techniques that focus on extinguishing flammable liquid fires. For instance, water is generally ineffective in extinguishing Class B fires and can even exacerbate them, as it may spread the flammable liquid.

Understanding the nature of Class B combustibles is crucial for fire investigators and responders to implement the appropriate safety measures and response strategies. This classification helps in identifying the right firefighting foam and extinguishing agents, which are tailored to handle the unique properties of flammable liquids in a fire scenario.