What is the recommended method to extinguish Class A fires?

The recommended method to extinguish Class A fires involves cooling and quenching the burning materials. Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and certain plastics. Water is the most effective agent for these types of fires, as it cools the burning material below its ignition temperature and extinguishes the flames.

When water is applied, it absorbs heat and reduces the temperature of the fire, helping to prevent re-ignition. The technique also involves ensuring that the material is fully soaked to eliminate any potential for the fire to restart. This approach is based on the principle of removing heat, one of the three elements of the fire triangle (heat, fuel, and oxygen), which is essential for extinguishing such fires effectively.

Other methods, such as smothering the flames, may not be sufficient for Class A fires, especially if the fire is large or involves materials that can easily flare up again. Cutting off the power is not applicable to most Class A fires, as they typically do not involve flammable electrical materials. Using foam extinguishers can be effective for Class B fires (flammable liquids) rather than Class A fires, where water is the most efficient and recommended extinguishing agent.