What is the correct extinguishing agent for a Class Delta fire?

Class Delta fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium, which require special extinguishing agents due to their unique burning characteristics. The correct extinguishing agent for a Class Delta fire is sand. Sand acts as a smothering agent, effectively covering the burning metal and preventing oxygen from reaching it, which is crucial since many of these metals can react violently with water and other common extinguishing agents.

Using water on a Class Delta fire can lead to explosive reactions, worsening the situation instead of extinguishing the flames. Similarly, CO2 is ineffective because it does not provide the necessary coverage to isolate the burning material from oxygen, and AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) is designed primarily for liquid flammable fires, not for Class Delta fires. Therefore, when managing a Class Delta fire, sand is the appropriate choice to safely suppress the fire without risk of exacerbating the hazard.