True or False: Magnesium fires can effectively be fought with CO2.

True or False: Magnesium fires can effectively be fought with CO2.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only in small quantities
• D. Only for minor fires

Answer: (B)

Magnesium is a highly reactive metal that burns at extremely high temperatures, typically exceeding 1,200 degrees Celsius (2,192 degrees Fahrenheit). When magnesium ignites, it can react with carbon dioxide (CO2) in a way that does not effectively suppress the fire. Instead of extinguishing the flames, CO2 can actually contribute to the fire because the intense heat may cause the magnesium to continue to burn or may even cause a reaction that liberates more oxygen. The most effective methods for extinguishing magnesium fires involve the use of dry powder fire extinguishers specifically designed for metal fires, such as those containing Class D extinguishing agents. These agents smother the flames and absorb heat without reacting with the metal. Given this information, the assertion that magnesium fires can be effectively fought with CO2 is false.

Magnesium is a highly reactive metal that burns at extremely high temperatures, typically exceeding 1,200 degrees Celsius (2,192 degrees Fahrenheit). When magnesium ignites, it can react with carbon dioxide (CO2) in a way that does not effectively suppress the fire. Instead of extinguishing the flames, CO2 can actually contribute to the fire because the intense heat may cause the magnesium to continue to burn or may even cause a reaction that liberates more oxygen.

The most effective methods for extinguishing magnesium fires involve the use of dry powder fire extinguishers specifically designed for metal fires, such as those containing Class D extinguishing agents. These agents smother the flames and absorb heat without reacting with the metal.

Given this information, the assertion that magnesium fires can be effectively fought with CO2 is false.