What type of fire is a Class A fire extinguisher used for?

A Class A fire extinguisher is specifically designed for fires involving ordinary combustible materials. These materials typically include wood, paper, textiles, and certain types of plastics. The reason a Class A extinguisher is effective in these situations is due to its ability to cool the burning material and extinguish the flames by removing heat from the combustion process.

Understanding the classifications of fires helps in selecting the appropriate extinguisher. Class B extinguishers, for example, are used for flammable liquids like gasoline or chemical solvents, while Class C extinguishers are meant for electrical fires. Kitchen grease fires, which involve fats and oils, typically require a Class K extinguisher, specially formulated to combat such types of fires. Therefore, the effectiveness of a Class A fire extinguisher is solely focused on normal combustible materials, making it crucial for safety in environments where such materials are present.