Which type of fire extinguisher is designed for use on Class A fires?

The answer is based on the fact that Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and many plastics. Fire extinguishers classified as Type A are specifically designed to combat these materials effectively. They typically contain water or a foam solution that cools the burning material and extinguishes the flames by removing heat, which is essential for fire suppression.

In contrast, Type B extinguishers are suitable for flammable liquids, Type C extinguishers are intended for electrical fires, and Type D extinguishers are designed for flammable metals. Each type is tailored to combat specific categories of fire, highlighting the importance of using the correct extinguisher type for the particular fire hazard present. Thus, Type A extinguishers are essential for dealing with Class A fires due to their effectiveness against common combustibles.