Class A extinguishers are used to put out fires in what materials?

Class A extinguishers are specifically designed to address fires involving ordinary combustibles. These combustibles include common materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and certain plastics. When a fire involves these materials, a Class A extinguisher, which typically contains water or a water-containing agent, is effective in cooling and extinguishing the flames.

In contrast, the other materials listed have different types of extinguishing agents suitable for their unique properties. Flammable liquids, for example, require a different approach because water can spread the flames, and thus a Class B extinguisher is used instead. Electrical fires involve energized equipment and necessitate a non-conductive agent, typically found in Class C extinguishers. Fires involving metals, especially combustible metals like magnesium or sodium, are addressed with specialized Class D extinguishers since these materials can react violently with water and conventional extinguishing agents. Therefore, Class A extinguishers are uniquely suited for ordinary combustibles, making them essential for general fire safety protocols involving common materials found in everyday environments.