Using a dry chemical fire extinguisher will make an aluminum or magnesium fire worse.TrueFalseClear selection

Answer

The statement is True.

Explanation

Aluminum and magnesium are both highly reactive metals that can ignite and burn with intense heat, producing bright flames. When a fire involving aluminum or magnesium occurs, using a dry chemical fire extinguisher, particularly those containing sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or monoammonium phosphate, can exacerbate the situation. These extinguishing agents can sometimes spread the fire instead of extinguishing it because they can react with the burning metal.

A fire involving magnesium or aluminum typically requires specialized extinguishing agents, such as Class D fire extinguishers specifically designed for metal fires, which use agents like sodium chloride or graphite-based powders to smother the fire effectively. Therefore, when dealing with fires involving such flammable metals, it is crucial to use the correct type of extinguisher to prevent worsening the fire.