Which type of fire is classified as Class A?

Class A fires are those that involve ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, paper, cloth, and some plastics. This classification is crucial in understanding how to tackle different types of fires effectively, as each class requires specific types of extinguishing agents.

Wood fires are a clear example of Class A fires since wood is a common combustible material. When responding to a Class A fire, water or foam extinguishers are typically used, as these agents can effectively cool the burning material and extinguish the fire.

In contrast, the other classifications involve materials that do not fit into the Class A category. Gas fires typically would fall under Class B because they involve flammable liquids or gases, while electrical fires are categorized as Class C due to the presence of live electrical equipment. Metal fires, depending on the type of metal, could fall under Class D, which specifically deals with combustible metals. Understanding these classifications is key for fire safety and effective response strategies.