Internertional Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Basic Officer Certification Practice Exam

A class A fire extinguisher is used to fight what kind of fire?

1. Flammable liquid fire

2. Ordinary combustible materials

3. Electrical fire

4. Grease fire

The correct answer is: Ordinary combustible materials

A Class A fire extinguisher is specifically designed to combat fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and some plastics. This classification is attributed to the fact that the extinguishing agents in Class A extinguishers, typically water or foam, are effective at cooling and wetting these materials to prevent reignition and to smother the flames. Ordinary combustibles are common in various environments, including residential and healthcare facilities, making knowledge of how to use a Class A extinguisher essential for effective fire safety and emergency readiness. Understanding the appropriate type of extinguisher to use in different fire scenarios is important to ensure safety and minimize damage. The other categories of fires—flammable liquid, electrical, and grease—require different types of extinguishers due to the nature of the fuels and the risks they present.