Which type of fire is extinguished using an alcohol foam base?

The use of an alcohol foam base is specifically designed to tackle polar solvent fires, which include substances that are water-miscible and can be difficult to extinguish with standard firefighting foam. These types of liquids, such as alcohols and certain solvents, can dissolve in water and may not be effectively managed by traditional foams designed for hydrocarbons.

Alcohol-resistant foams work by creating a film that separates the fuel from the fire, thereby smothering the flames and preventing re-ignition. This makes them particularly suited for tackling polar solvent fires, as they can form an effective barrier and suppress flammable vapors that can quickly spread.

In contrast, the other types of fires mentioned do not specifically require alcohol foam for their extinguishment. Wood fires are better handled with water or Class A foam, electrical fires require non-conductive agents like carbon dioxide or dry chemicals, and oil fires often call for conventional foam that handles hydrocarbons rather than polar solvents. Thus, the correct application of alcohol foam to polar solvent fires underscores its specific formulation and effectiveness in those scenarios.