Which type of fire is characterized by the involvement of metals that contain their own oxygen?

The correct choice is the one related to fires that involve metals containing their own oxygen, which is characteristic of Class D fires. Class D fires specifically pertain to combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium, which can burn at extremely high temperatures. These metals can ignite and sustain combustion independent of the presence of oxygen from the air, as they contain their own oxidizing properties.

The distinction of Class D is important because it requires specialized extinguishing agents that can effectively put out these kinds of fires. Common extinguishing agents for Class D fires include dry powder agents that are specifically designed for these combustible metals, as water or regular fire extinguishing products can cause the fire to worsen or lead to explosive reactions.

In contrast, Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth, which do not contain their own oxygen. Class C fires involve electrical materials, while Class E is not a standard classification in fire protection practices but might sometimes refer to specific types involving electrical fires, which could cause confusion. Thus, the clear identification of Class D fires is critical for effective fire safety and prevention strategies in environments where reactive metals are present.