What type of fires can a Class A fire extinguisher put out?

A Class A fire extinguisher is specifically designed to combat fires fueled by ordinary combustibles. This includes materials such as paper, wood, textiles, rubber, and some plastics. The extinguishing agents typically found in Class A fire extinguishers, like water or certain foam solutions, are effective at cooling and smothering these types of fires, which are characterized by their combustion of solid materials.

In contrast, fires involving flammable liquids, electrical fires, or flammable metals require different types of extinguishers. Flammable liquids are best addressed with Class B extinguishers, electrical fires with Class C extinguishers, and flammable metals with Class D extinguishers. Understanding the classification of fire extinguishers is crucial for selecting the appropriate type to safely and effectively extinguish a fire based on its fuel source.