What type of extinguisher is used to extinguish burning metals?

The use of dry powder extinguishers is specifically suited for combating fires involving combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium. These extinguishers contain a dry powder agent that can effectively smother the flames and cool the burning metal. The chemical action of the powder helps to eliminate the chemical reaction that fuels the fire, making it highly effective for this kind of hazard.

In contrast, other types of extinguishers have specific applications and may not work effectively on metal fires. For instance, dry chemical extinguishers, while versatile, are not designed specifically for the unique challenges posed by burning metals. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are primarily used for electrical and flammable liquid fires and may be ineffective against metal fires, which can continue to burn even in the absence of oxygen. AFFF extinguishers, which are oriented towards flammable liquid fires, would not effectively address metals burning and can even exacerbate the situation in some cases. Therefore, dry powder extinguishers are the necessary choice for safely extinguishing burning metals.