NCIDQ IDFX Practice Exam

Which type of fire extinguisher is primarily used for ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, and cloth?

1. Type A

2. Type B

3. Type C

4. Type D

The correct answer is: Type A

The type of fire extinguisher suitable for ordinary combustibles like paper, wood, and cloth is indeed the Type A extinguisher. This extinguisher is specifically designed to handle fires that involve materials that are commonly found in homes and offices. The extinguishing agent in Type A extinguishers, often water or foam, works by cooling the burning materials and reducing the heat to below the combustion point. Type A extinguishers are marked with a green triangle label, emphasizing their effectiveness against solid materials. Understanding the classifications of fire extinguishers is crucial for proper fire safety management because using the wrong type can lead to ineffective extinguishing or even hazardous reactions. For instance, Type B extinguishers handle flammable liquids, Type C is for electrical fires, and Type D is for combustible metals, which are entirely different from ordinary combustibles.