What happens if normal extinguishing agents are tried on Class D fires?

When normal extinguishing agents, such as water or foam, are applied to Class D fires, which involve combustible metals like magnesium, sodium, or potassium, a violent reaction can occur. These types of materials burn at extremely high temperatures and can react with water or other common extinguishing agents, often resulting in explosions or the release of flammable gases.

For instance, water can cause certain metals to react by generating hydrogen gas, which is highly flammable and can ignite, leading to an explosive situation. This is why specialized extinguishing agents, such as dry powder extinguishers specifically rated for Class D fires, are essential. They are formulated to smother the fire without causing a hazardous reaction. Understanding this reaction is critical for firefighter safety and effective fire suppression tactics.