Which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for Class A fires?

The type of fire extinguisher that is suitable for Class A fires is designated with the letter A. Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and some plastics. The extinguishing agents used in Class A fire extinguishers, typically water or foam, work by cooling the burning material and removing the heat necessary for combustion.

Fire extinguishers labeled specifically for Class A fires are designed to effectively extinguish these types of fires through the application of the appropriate extinguishing agents that are able to penetrate the burning material and suppress the fire. In contrast, other types of extinguishers—like those for Class B (flammable liquids), Class C (electrical fires), or Class D (combustible metals)—use different agents that may not be effective or safe to use on ordinary combustibles. This underscores the importance of using the correct type of fire extinguisher for the fire class to ensure effective firefighting and safety.