What materials are commonly used with Class A fire extinguishers?

Class A fire extinguishers are specifically designed for fires that involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles. The most effective materials for extinguishing these types of fires are water, foam, or water additives. Water cools the burning material, reducing its temperature below the ignition point, while foam creates a barrier that prevents the release of flammable vapors, effectively starving the fire of oxygen. Water additives can enhance the performance of water, helping to improve its wetting ability and make it more effective in suppressing fires involving Class A materials.

Other options would not typically be used for Class A fires; for example, dry chemical and CO2 are more suited for Class B and Class C fires, Halon is a specialized suppression agent primarily for sensitive electronic equipment, and alcohol fire suppressants are generally intended for specific types of alcohol-related fires, not for common combustibles. This specificity highlights why water, foam, or water additives are the accepted choice for extinguishing Class A fire scenarios.