What type of fire extinguisher should be used on a gasoline fire?

A gasoline fire is classified as a flammable liquid fire, which requires a specific type of fire extinguisher for effective suppression. Type B fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and grease. These extinguishers use agents that can suppress flames effectively without the risk of spreading the fire or causing an explosion, which could occur with other types of extinguishers that are not suitable for flammable liquid fires.

Type A extinguishers, for instance, are meant for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, and would not effectively extinguish a flammable liquid fire. Type C extinguishers are used for electrical fires, and while they are important in environments with electrical equipment, they do not apply to flammable liquids. Type D extinguishers are specifically for combustible metals and are irrelevant in the context of gasoline fires. Therefore, Type B is the appropriate choice for handling gasoline fires, ensuring safety and effectiveness in emergency situations.