What types of fires are classified as Class A?

Class A fires are specifically defined as those involving ordinary combustible materials. This category includes common materials such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and some plastics. The classification is based on the nature of the materials that are burning, which are typically solid substances that can ignite and sustain combustion.

Understanding Class A fires is crucial for effective firefighting because they often require different treatment methods compared to other types of fires. For instance, water is commonly used as an effective extinguishing agent for Class A fires, as it cools the burning materials and helps to extinguish the flames.

The other classifications of fires involve different materials and require specific extinguishing techniques or agents appropriate for those materials, highlighting the importance of recognizing the type of fire to respond effectively.