What type of agent should be used to extinguish a Class A fire?

Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and most plastics. The best type of agent for extinguishing these fires is foam because it effectively cools the burning material and forms a barrier that prevents oxygen from reaching the fire. The foam also helps to suppress the release of flammable vapors.

While dry chemicals can also be effective in suppressing Class A fires, they are not specifically designed for them and may leave a residue that could complicate cleanup. Halon is primarily used for electrical fires and can be hazardous to the environment. Carbon dioxide can effectively extinguish fires by displacing oxygen, but it is not as effective for cooling the materials involved in a Class A fire compared to foam. Therefore, foam is the most suitable choice for extinguishing a Class A fire due to its cooling and smothering properties, making it the preferred fire suppression agent for this type of fire.