What is the most common extinguishing agent for flammable liquid fires?

The choice of dry chemical as the most common extinguishing agent for flammable liquid fires is based on its effectiveness in quickly suppressing such fires. Dry chemical agents are designed to interrupt the chemical reaction of combustion, smother the flames, and prevent re-ignition. These agents work particularly well on flammable liquid fires, such as those involving gasoline or oil, because they are versatile and can be effective on multiple classes of fires, including Class B (flammable liquids).

In contrast to winter fog, which may not reliably extinguish a fire and can introduce other hazards, dry chemical extinguishers are widely used in various environments where flammable liquids are present. Mist can also play a role in fire suppression but is less effective than dry chemical agents for this particular type of fire. Sand can extinguish fires by smothering them, but it is not as commonly used or effective compared to dry chemicals for quick suppression in emergencies. This makes dry chemical agents the preferred choice for handling flammable liquid fires in many settings.