Which fire extinguisher is most effective for wood and paper fires?

The most effective fire extinguisher for wood and paper fires is the Class A extinguisher. Class A extinguishers are specifically designed for ordinary combustible materials, which include wood, paper, cloth, and many plastics. When using a Class A extinguisher, the agent it contains, typically water or foam, works by cooling the burning material and removing heat from the fire triangle—heat, fuel, and oxygen. This makes it particularly effective in suppressing fires that involve materials that are in their solid form and can burn in a typical combustion process.

Class B extinguishers, on the other hand, are suitable for flammable liquids such as gasoline, oils, and paints, while Class C extinguishers are intended for fires involving electrical equipment. Class D extinguishers are designed for combustible metals, such as magnesium and sodium, which require specialized agents to suppress. Each class of extinguisher has a distinct purpose, and using the wrong type can not only be ineffective but can also make the fire worse or create additional hazards.