What happens when ordinary class A extinguishing material is used on a class D fire?

Using ordinary class A extinguishing materials, such as water or foam, on a class D fire can lead to an intensification of the fire. Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium or sodium, which react violently with water. When water or foam is applied to these types of fires, it can cause a chemical reaction that generates heat and potentially ignites the combustible metals, causing the fire to spread and become more intense.

This reaction is dangerous because class D fires require special extinguishing agents, typically dry powder agents specifically designed for metal fires, to safely and effectively extinguish the flames. Therefore, employing class A extinguishing methods is not only ineffective but can exacerbate the situation, making it crucial to identify the appropriate fire classification and use the correct extinguishing agents.