Which type of fire extinguisher is specifically recommended for metal fires?

Dry powder fire extinguishers are specifically recommended for metal fires because they are designed to combat flammable metal fires, such as those involving magnesium, sodium, or potassium. These types of fires cannot be effectively extinguished using water, as water can react with burning metals and lead to explosions or intensification of the fire.

Dry powder extinguishers contain agents like sodium bicarbonate or potassium chloride that can smother the fire by separating the metal from the surrounding oxygen. They work by forming a barrier between the fuel and the fire, effectively stopping combustion without exacerbating the situation.

This makes them the ideal choice for fire emergencies involving combustible metals, where other types of extinguishing agents, like water or foam, may not only be ineffective but could significantly worsen the hazard.