Which class of fire extinguishers is appropriate for extinguishing fires involving liquids, oil, and gasoline?

The appropriate class of fire extinguishers for extinguishing fires involving liquids, oil, and gasoline is indeed class B. Class B fire extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires fueled by flammable liquids, such as oils, greases, solvents, and gasoline. These fires can be particularly dangerous as they can spread quickly; therefore, using the correct type of extinguisher is crucial for effective suppression.

Class B extinguishers generally contain agents like foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical powders, which work by smothering the fire or interrupting the chemical reaction that fuels it. This makes them effective in managing not only typical liquid fires but also those resulting from combustible fuels.

In contrast, other classes of extinguishers target different fire types. For instance, class A is for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper; class C is designed for electrical fires, and class D is meant for combustible metals. Understanding the specific classes and their applications is vital for safety in automotive and other environments where different types of fires may occur.