What type of fire extinguisher is specifically designed for burning metals?

The type of fire extinguisher specifically designed for burning metals is Class D. Class D fire extinguishers are formulated to combat fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and sodium. These metals react differently to fire and may burn at high temperatures, often making traditional extinguishing agents ineffective or even dangerous, as they could react with the metal and exacerbate the fire.

Class D extinguishers typically contain dry powder agents that smother the fire and prevent oxygen from sustaining combustion. The unique properties of these powders are crucial for cooling down the reactive metals and stopping the fire effectively without causing further adverse reactions.

Other classes of fire extinguishers, such as Class A (for ordinary combustibles), Class B (for flammable liquids), Class C (for energized electrical equipment), and Class K (for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats), do not address the specific reactions and characteristics associated with metal fires. This specialization makes Class D extinguishers vital for safety in environments where combustible metals are present.