Which extinguisher is used for Class A fires?

Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth. The best extinguisher for this type of fire is a water extinguisher. Water can effectively cool the burning material below its ignition temperature, thereby extinguishing the fire. It works by removing heat from the combustion process, which is essential since Class A fires rely on the material's ability to sustain burning through heat.

While foam extinguishers can be used for certain types of fires, including flammable liquids, they are not specifically designed for Class A fires; their primary function is to smother flames and prevent vapor release. Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are more suited for Class B and Class C fires, as they displace oxygen rather than cooling the burning material. HALON extinguishers, though effective against various fire classes, are also not the first choice for Class A fires since they suppress by creating an inert atmosphere and are not as effective on solid combustibles. Thus, the water extinguisher is specifically effective for addressing the characteristics of Class A fire hazards.