Which class of extinguisher is used for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper?

• A. Class B
• B. Class C
• C. Class A
• D. Class D

Answer: (C)

Fires fueled by ordinary combustibles like wood and paper are addressed by extinguishers labeled for ordinary combustibles. These extinguishers are designed to remove heat from the fire, primarily by cooling the fuel below its ignition temperature, often using water-based agents or other coolants. Using the other types wouldn’t be effective for these fuels: extinguishers made for flammable liquids target vapors and fuels like gasoline, electrical equipment extinguishers are for energized circuits, and those designed for metals are for burning metals. So the best match for wood and paper is the extinguisher for ordinary combustibles.