What type of fire extinguisher is used for Class A fires?

Water is indeed the appropriate choice for Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, and cloth. These materials tend to ignite and burn easily, and their fire usually requires cooling to extinguish. Water-based extinguishers work effectively by absorbing heat, lowering the temperature of the burning material below its ignition point.

While other extinguishing agents like dry chemical and foam can suppress various types of fires, they are often more suited for different classes of fires. For example, dry chemical extinguishers are more versatile and can handle Class B and Class C fires, which involve flammable liquids and electrical equipment, respectively. Foam extinguishers are primarily effective on flammable liquid fires (Class B) but can also be used on Class A fires to some extent.

Using water effectively cools and extinguishes Class A fires, making it the recommended choice for that specific fire classification.