What does the yellow star symbol indicate?

The yellow star symbol specifically indicates a Class D extinguisher, which is designed for use on fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium. These materials react differently to fire and can actually intensify flames if water is used, which is why specialized extinguishing agents are required to manage these types of fires effectively.

Class D extinguishers typically contain dry powders that are effective in smothering metal fires by forming a protective covering over the burning material. Understanding the implications of this symbol is critical for first responders and safety personnel, as using the wrong type of extinguisher on a metal fire can lead to dangerous situations and exacerbate the fire. This underscores the importance of proper identification and classification of fire types to ensure the correct firefighting equipment is used in an emergency.