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

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

• A. CO2 extinguisher
• B. Water extinguisher
• C. Dry chemical extinguisher
• D. Foam extinguisher

Answer: (B)

The appropriate type of fire extinguisher for Class A fires is a water extinguisher. Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, and cloth. Water extinguishers work effectively on these types of fires because they cool the burning material and help to remove heat, which is one of the essential elements of the fire triangle (heat, fuel, and oxygen). By reducing the temperature below the material's ignition point, water extinguishers can effectively extinguish Class A fires. Other types of extinguishers, such as CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers and dry chemical extinguishers, are aimed at different types of fires. For example, CO2 extinguishers are more suitable for Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires because they don't leave a residue, yet they are ineffective against ordinary combustibles. Dry chemical extinguishers can handle Class A, B, and C fires but are not specifically designed for Class A fires and may create a mess. Foam extinguishers, while effective on flammable liquids (Class B), are usually not the first choice for Class A fires, as their cooling properties are not as effective as water for ordinary combustibles.

The appropriate type of fire extinguisher for Class A fires is a water extinguisher. Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, and cloth. Water extinguishers work effectively on these types of fires because they cool the burning material and help to remove heat, which is one of the essential elements of the fire triangle (heat, fuel, and oxygen). By reducing the temperature below the material's ignition point, water extinguishers can effectively extinguish Class A fires.

Other types of extinguishers, such as CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers and dry chemical extinguishers, are aimed at different types of fires. For example, CO2 extinguishers are more suitable for Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires because they don't leave a residue, yet they are ineffective against ordinary combustibles. Dry chemical extinguishers can handle Class A, B, and C fires but are not specifically designed for Class A fires and may create a mess. Foam extinguishers, while effective on flammable liquids (Class B), are usually not the first choice for Class A fires, as their cooling properties are not as effective as water for ordinary combustibles.