Which extinguisher type is used for fires involving ordinary combustibles such as cloth, wood, and paper?

• A. Type B
• B. Type A
• C. Type C
• D. Type D

Answer: (B)

Fires involving ordinary combustibles are stopped best by extinguishers that remove heat from the fuel, cooling it down so it can’t sustain ignition. The extinguisher designed for ordinary combustibles fits this need by delivering a cooling effect that quickly lowers the temperature of cloth, wood, and paper, which are common fuels in detention environments (bedding, furniture, paperwork, etc.). By cooling the fuel, the fire loses its ability to keep burning and goes out, reducing the chance of reignition.

Other extinguisher types target different hazards. An extinguisher for flammable liquids would be inappropriate because it can spread the burning liquid rather than cool the fuel. An extinguisher for energized electrical fires is not suitable with live electrical equipment in the area, since water-based cooling can conduct electricity and pose a shock risk. A metal-fire extinguisher is for specific metal fires and unnecessary for ordinary combustibles.

So the extinguisher for ordinary combustibles is the best fit for cloth, wood, and paper fires.