What type of fire extinguisher should be used on a paper or wood fire?

When dealing with fires that involve ordinary combustibles such as paper and wood, the appropriate choice is a Type A fire extinguisher. Type A extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires fueled by solid materials, which include materials like wood, paper, and textiles. They typically use water or an additive that can cool the burning material and help extinguish the flames effectively.

The reason Type A extinguishers are the correct choice is due to their ability to absorb heat and reduce the temperature of the burning material below its ignition point, thus stopping the fire. Using a Type A extinguisher on paper or wood fires can be done effectively to put out these common types of fires. Each type of fire extinguisher is designed for specific classes of fires, so understanding these classifications is crucial for effective fire safety practices.