Which type of fire extinguisher is best suited for flammable liquids?

A Class B fire extinguisher is specifically designed to combat fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and paint. These types of fires require extinguishing agents that can suppress flames without spreading the flammable liquid or creating further hazards. Class B extinguishers typically use substances like foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide, all of which work to smother the fire or interrupt the chemical reaction.

In contrast, the other extinguisher classes are designated for different types of materials. Class A extinguishers are intended for ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth. Class C extinguishers are designed for electrical fires, and Class K extinguishers are specifically for cooking oils and fats typically found in commercial kitchens. As such, a Class B fire extinguisher is the most suitable choice for flammable liquids due to its effective suppression methods tailored to those specific hazards.