Maryland Boating Certification Practice Exam

What type of fire is associated with gasoline?

1. Type A

2. Type B

3. Type C

4. Type D

The correct answer is: Type B

Gasoline is classified as a flammable liquid, which means it falls under the category of fires that involve liquids that ignite and burn rapidly. These types of fires are categorized as Class B fires. Class B fires involve flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, grease, and solvents. The primary characteristic of a Class B fire is that it requires a special approach for extinguishment, typically using foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers designed to smother the fire and cut off its oxygen supply. In contrast, Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth, while Class C fires are associated with electrical equipment. Class D fires involve combustible metals, which are less common and require specific extinguishing agents. Understanding these classifications is crucial for ensuring proper safety measures are in place when dealing with various types of fire hazards on the water or around boating equipment.