Which class of fire extinguisher is suitable for extinguishing a paper fire?

The suitable class of fire extinguisher for extinguishing a paper fire is Class A. This class is specifically designed for fires that involve ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, paper, cloth, and certain types of plastics. Class A extinguishers are typically filled with water or water-based agents that work by cooling the burning material and removing the heat necessary for combustion.

Using a Class A extinguisher on a paper fire is effective because it addresses the primary elements involved in such a fire: the fuel (paper) and heat. Fire extinguishers in this category are marked with a green triangle and often feature a label that shows a depiction of a fire involving paper and wood. In contrast, other classes of fire extinguishers are suited for different types of fires. Class B is meant for flammable liquids, Class C is for electrical fires, and Class D is specifically for combustible metals. This distinction is crucial for ensuring the correct response to various fire incidents and effectively extinguishing the fire without exacerbating the situation.