What type of fire extinguisher is designated for grease and liquid fires?

The designation for a fire extinguisher appropriate for grease and liquid fires is a Class B extinguisher. This type of extinguisher is specifically designed to handle fires that involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, and other similar substances.

When grease or liquid combustibles ignite, they can produce intense flames and are often challenging to extinguish with water alone, as water can spread the flammable liquid and cause the fire to worsen. A Class B extinguisher contains agents like foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical powders that can suffocate the fire and prevent it from reigniting, making them essential for kitchen fires, industrial environments, and other settings where flammable liquids are present.

In contrast, other types of extinguishers serve different fire classes; for example, Class A is for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, while Class C is designed for electrical fires. Multipurpose extinguishers can handle various types of fires but might not be the optimal choice for specifically dealing with liquid and grease fires. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the correct fire-fighting equipment for specific fire hazards.