Food Manager Practice Exam

Class A fire extinguishers are primarily used for which type of fire?

1. Grease fires

2. Electrical fires

3. Wood and paper fires

4. Chemical fires

The correct answer is: Wood and paper fires

Class A fire extinguishers are specifically designed for use on fires that involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, and some plastics. These types of materials ignite easily and can burn quickly, making it crucial to use the appropriate extinguisher type to effectively suppress such fires. The extinguishing agents in Class A fire extinguishers work by cooling the burning material and removing heat, which is needed for combustion. They often contain water or water-based solutions that can adequately address fires fueled by solid combustibles commonly found in homes, offices, and various environments. In contrast, other types of fires, such as grease, electrical, or chemical fires, require different extinguishing agents and methods to safely and effectively extinguish the flames. Using a Class A extinguisher on these types of fires could be ineffective or even dangerous. For instance, using water on a grease fire can cause the flames to flare up and spread, while an electrical fire could pose a risk of electrocution when water is used.