Class B fire

[2][3] The use of lighter fluid on a charcoal grill, for example, creates a Class B fire.

The resulting sudden rising of a column of flames together with droplets of boiling fuel and water is generally known as a slopover.

[3] Because of this, Class A fire extinguishers use water, while Class B fire extinguishers use dry chemicals (foam or powder),[5] such as aqueous film-forming foam, multi-purpose dry chemicals such as ammonium phosphate, and halogenated agents (such as Halon 1301 and Halon 1211)[8] or highly pressurized carbon dioxide.

[8] Grease and cooking oil fires pose a greater safety risk.

One ten-year study, examining the years 1976 to 1985, found that 4.7% of hospitalized burn patients suffered burns from hot grease or oil, with 78% of such injuries occurring in the home.