When would you typically employ a dry powder extinguisher?

A dry powder extinguisher is designed to be effective against flammable liquid fires, which includes gasoline, paints, and solvents. Its multi-purpose formulation allows it to suppress flames by smothering the fire, thus cutting off the oxygen supply, and by interrupting the chemical reaction that fuels the fire. While dry powder extinguishers can be used on various types of fires, including those involving flammable gases and electrical fires (with precautions), their primary and most common application is for flammable liquid fires. This makes option C the most appropriate answer for this scenario.

It's worth noting that while dry powder extinguishers can be effective on a range of fire types, they are not suitable for all situations, particularly for certain types of fires like those involving specific metals or cooking oils, which may require specialized extinguishing agents. Understanding the specific applications of each type of extinguisher helps ensure safety in emergency situations.