Which firefighting strategy is preferred for extinguishing Class B fires?

The preferred strategy for extinguishing Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and other similar substances, is to use Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) or foam. This method is effective because AFFF suppresses the vapors of the flammable liquid, creating a barrier that prevents re-ignition. The foam also blankets the fuel, smothering the flames and cooling the surface.

Applying water directly is not recommended for Class B fires because it can spread the burning liquid, potentially worsening the situation. Water may not effectively cool the fuel's surface, and instead, it could actually cause the fire to grow larger.

Using a dry chemical agent is also a viable option for extinguishing Class B fires; however, it may not provide the same lasting control as foam. Dry chemicals can interrupt the combustion process, but they do not create a barrier like foam does, which can lead to re-ignition once the dry chemicals dissipate.

Applying CO2 can be effective for small fires, but it may not be the best choice for larger Class B fires. CO2 extinguishes flames by displacing oxygen, but similar to dry chemicals, it does not address the fuel on the surface and