When applying dry powder to a Class D fire, you will need to:

When applying dry powder to a Class D fire, you will need to:

• A. apply powder in small amounts to avoid spreading the fire.
• B. use thick amounts of dry powder.
• C. place the burning metal in a fireproof container such as a metal garbage can.
• D. apply carbon dioxide to cool the metal first, then apply dry powder.

Answer: (B)

For a Class D (metal) fire, the goal is to smother and isolate the burning metal from oxygen by creating a thick, continuous blanket of dry powder. The powder absorbs heat and forms a crust over the metal, cutting off the heat and oxygen supply and helping prevent re-ignition. Applying powder in thick amounts ensures complete coverage; small amounts can be dispersed by the fire or wind and won’t reliably smother the fire, leaving hot metal exposed and potentially reigniting. Placing the metal in a container isn’t a guaranteed or practical solution for all scenarios, and using carbon dioxide to cool first isn’t effective for metal fires and can be dangerous with certain metals. So, thick, liberal application of the proper dry powder is the correct approach.

For a Class D (metal) fire, the goal is to smother and isolate the burning metal from oxygen by creating a thick, continuous blanket of dry powder. The powder absorbs heat and forms a crust over the metal, cutting off the heat and oxygen supply and helping prevent re-ignition. Applying powder in thick amounts ensures complete coverage; small amounts can be dispersed by the fire or wind and won’t reliably smother the fire, leaving hot metal exposed and potentially reigniting. Placing the metal in a container isn’t a guaranteed or practical solution for all scenarios, and using carbon dioxide to cool first isn’t effective for metal fires and can be dangerous with certain metals. So, thick, liberal application of the proper dry powder is the correct approach.