Final answer:
Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases such as gasoline, oil, and oil-based paint, as well as substances like napalm. Special foams are used to fight these fires which require careful handling and specific safety measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the classification of Class B fires: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and oil-based paint. Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids, gases, and greases, including fuels like gasoline and kerosene, and other oil-based substances.
For instance, napalm, an extremely flammable substance, is created by converting gasoline into a gel form and adding other incendiary materials. This kind of material fits into Class B due to its liquid origin and flammable properties. Liquids that have flash points below 60°C, like some solvents and oils, or non-liquids that may ignite under particular conditions, gases under pressure, and oxidizers, also fall into this category.
Fires of this class can be extinguished with special foams that spread across the surface to stifle the fire, a method now universally employed for large-scale fires involving organic liquids. It's crucial to follow safety instructions for handling flammable chemicals, avoiding exposing them to flames or heat sources unless under specific direction.