What Extinguishers Can Be Used on a Class-A Fire?

Fighting a small fire with a fire extinguisher can save both lives and property. One of the keys to putting out a fire is knowing both the type of material that is on fire and choosing the correct type of extinguisher to fight that specific type of fire. Choosing the wrong extinguisher to fight a fire can be a dangerous and futile experience.

Types of Fires

• Fires are classified into types according to the material that is burning. A class "A" fire is an ordinary combustible fire consisting of wood, paper, cardboard and most plastics. This is the most basic type of fire and using ordinary products, such as water, will extinguish these types of fires.

Types of Extinguishers

• Fire extinguishers are classified as to the type of fire that they are designed to extinguish. Using the correct extinguisher for the material on fire is critical to be able to extinguish the fire efficiently and safely. If the incorrect extinguisher is used on a fire, not only may the fire not go out, but the user could be injured. Extinguishers are classified as class "A" for ordinary combustible material, class "B" for flammable liquids, class"C" for electrical fires and class "D" for combustible metals.

Class "A" Extinguishers

• Class "A" fires are ordinary combustible fires. The extinguishers for these types of fires are also rated as class "A". These extinguishers may be filled with water, the most common agent to fight these types of fires, dry chemical powder, foam, or an inert gas that depletes oxygen. Never use a class "B/C" extinguisher on a class "A" fire as it may not fully extinguish the fire, allowing it to re-ignite.

Using Extinguishers

• Using the acronym P.A.S.S is the easiest way to fight a fire with an extinguisher. The acronym stands for pull the safety pin, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, squeeze the operating handle, sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire. Putting the extinguishing agent at the middle or top of the fire does no good to extinguish a class "A" fire. The actual burning material at the base of the flames must be cooled and deprived of oxygen for the fire to go out.