Using the wrong fire extinguisher type, even on a small fire, can lead to life-threatening consequences. Fire extinguishers have different contents, and knowing how they work is crucial to putting out a fire. 

Class A fire extinguishers are among the most common types, and knowing how to use them helps you put out fires caused by wood, paper, plastic, and other solid combustibles.

But how exactly do Class A fire extinguishers work? What’s in them? How do you use them properly? This guide covers everything you need to know about Class A fire extinguishers. 

What Is a Class A Fire Extinguisher?

As the term suggests, a Class A fire extinguisher is used to put out Class A fires, the most common type of fire. Class A fires are also the easiest type to put out. They’re caused by solid combustibles, such as:

• Wood
• Paper
• Fabric
• Plastic
• Rubber

Most fire extinguishers, particularly water, water mist, wet chemical, powder, and foam, can put out Class A fires. Since water is affordable and readily available, it’s commonly used in Class A fire extinguishers. However, you can’t use water-based Class A fire extinguishers (except water mist) on electrical fires because they can electrocute you. 

What Is a Class A Fire Extinguisher Used For?

Knowing what a Class A fire extinguisher is used for makes a big difference during a fire emergency. Let’s break down what you can use Class A fire extinguishers on: 

1. Wood Fires

Wood is a naturally combustible material that ignites easily because of its fibers. This means that houses and buildings with wooden walls, floors, and ceilings are at a higher risk of Class A fires than cement ones.
For instance, a candle falls onto a wooden table and starts a fire. Having a Class A fire extinguisher nearby can put out the fire quickly. 

2. Paper Fires

Paper is highly flammable, burns quickly, and spreads fire fast. It has a low ignition temperature (233 °C), which means it can catch fire easily, even if the heat source is not hot. In fact, a small spark can ignite it. 

For example, a stack of magazines left too close to a space heater can ignite in seconds. Using a Class A fire extinguisher can cool down the flames before the fire spreads. 

3. Fabric Fires

Clothes, towels, curtains, bedding, upholstery, and other fabrics are made of fibers that can ignite quickly. While not as fast as paper, fabrics can produce more intense heat and flames. 

For instance, wearing loose clothes while cooking can start a Class A fire. The clothes can then melt on the person, making it harder to put out. A Class A fire extinguisher can help here as long as it doesn't contain toxic chemicals. 

4. Plastic Fires

Many plastics, such as those used in packaging or furniture, are made from petroleum-based products that can catch fire. While not all plastics (e.g., fire-retardant ones) contribute to Class A fires, most of them can cause Class A fires. 

For instance, a plastic container filled with food can catch fire in the kitchen. A Class A fire extinguisher can smother the flames and put out the fire fast.

5. Rubber Fires

Rubber is combustible and burns steadily once ignited. It can also produce thick smoke and toxic gases, including carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. 

Picture this: a reserve rubber tire in your garage ignites because gasoline leaked on it. A Class A fire extinguisher can help control the fire before it turns into a huge disaster. 

What Is a Class A Fire Extinguisher Made Of? 

Class A fire extinguishers are made of different materials that remove at least one component of the fire triangle. By doing this, the fire extinguisher stops the fire from burning. Here’s what Class A fire extinguishers are made of: 

Water

As its name suggests, this Class A fire extinguisher is mainly composed of water. Sometimes, it contains additives that enhance its effectiveness against fire. Since pure water freezes under extremely cold conditions, this extinguisher contains antifreeze. It’s also worth noting that water extinguishers are only intended for Class A fires. It should not be used on fires involving grease, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment.

Water Mist

Water mist extinguishers use deionized water and discharge it as a fine spray instead of a stream. Because of this, they can put out Class A, B, and C fires. They’re also useful in places where regular water is harmful, including hospitals, museums, and libraries.

Wet Chemical

Wet chemical fire extinguishers are not commonly used on Class A fires, but they work as well as others. They usually contain potassium, which decreases the fire’s temperature and prevents it from spreading. 

Powder

Powder fire extinguishers are the most versatile because they can be used on Class A, B, C, and D fires. They’re also suitable for places where a mix of fires occurs. In particular, they contain sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), potassium bicarbonate (nearly identical to baking soda), and/ or monoammonium phosphate. The fine powder coats the fuel, creating a barrier between it and the fire. As a result, the fire dies. 

Foam

Foam fire extinguishers contain aqueous film-forming foam or film-forming fluoroprotein. They can be used for Class A and B fires. As the term implies, they discharge foam instead of liquid or powder. The foam creates a barrier between the fuel and the flame. As the foam builds up on the fire’s surface, it depletes the oxygen supply and cools the fuel. 

How to Identify Class A Fire Extinguishers

Class A fire extinguishers have a specific symbol: a green triangle with the letter A inside it. This triangle indicates that it can put out fires caused by ordinary combustible materials like paper, wood, cloth, rubber, and most plastics. If you see the green triangle label, you know it’s the right extinguisher for a Class A fire.

You might also use multi-purpose extinguishers, which can handle Class A, B, and C fires. These fire extinguishers usually show the letters A, B, and C in different shapes. A letter  B inside a square means you can use the extinguisher against fires caused by flammable liquids and gases. Meanwhile, a C inside a circle means you can use the extinguisher against electrical fires. 

In most cases, Class A fire extinguishers come with ratings. The numerical ratings indicate the amount of water it holds and the amount of fire it can put out.

How to Use a Class A Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers help keep your loved ones and property safe during a fire emergency. However, there’s no point in owning one if you don’t know how to use it. Fortunately, experts came up with an easy acronym for using a fire extinguisher: PASS. 

PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. While some extinguishers have specific guidelines, PASS is the basic protocol for using fire extinguishers. Here’s how to use a Class A fire extinguisher: 

Pull: Pull the fire extinguisher’s safety pin to unlock the Class A fire extinguisher.

Aim: Aim the hose or nozzle at the base of the fire. 

Squeeze: Squeeze the lever or handle to release the extinguishing agent. 

Sweep: Sweep the fire extinguisher from side to side until the fire dies.

Please note that the PASS fire extinguisher technique is just one part of putting out a fire. You should also determine whether it’s safe to put out the fire. If you know how to use a Class A fire extinguisher, but the fire is too large, don’t fight it. Evacuate your house and call the fire department immediately. 

How to Maintain Class A Fire Extinguishers

Keeping your Class A fire extinguisher in top shape ensures it works against fire. 

Start with regular checks. Inspect your fire extinguisher every month to see if there are any signs of damage. Is the safety pin intact? Is the pressure gauge fine? How about the lever? Answering these questions lets you determine if your Class A fire extinguisher needs to be replaced. 

It’s also a great idea to have a professional inspect your Class A fire extinguisher at least once a year. They can check your extinguisher thoroughly and make sure everything’s up to standard. 

You should do hydrostatic testing as well. In general, Class A fire extinguishers have to be tested every five years. However, you should stick to specific manufacturer guidelines if they say otherwise. 

When to Replace Class A Fire Extinguishers

Class A fire extinguishers don’t last forever. Like other fire prevention tools, they are subject to wear and tear. Here’s when to replace Class A fire extinguishers: 

1. Your Class A fire extinguisher is expired.

Class A fire extinguishers usually come with an expiration date. The longevity of a Class A fire extinguisher depends on many factors, including the extinguishing agent and the container used. Replace your Class A fire extinguisher once the expiration date has passed. 

2. Your Class A fire extinguisher is damaged.

Physical damages make fire extinguishers ineffective against Class A fires. Watch out for dents, loose handles or hoses, broken pins, rust, and cracked parts. These issues can lead to your fire extinguisher malfunctioning when you need it the most. 

3. Your Class A fire extinguisher has low pressure.

A fire extinguisher has a pressure gauge to prevent people from using it when the pressure is low. You see, pressure lets the extinguishing agent come out to put out a fire. Without enough pressure, the extinguishing agent won’t discharge with the right force or not at all. 

How Much Are Class A Fire Extinguishers? 

Class A fire extinguisher prices vary based on many factors, including the size and extinguishing agent. In general, Class A fire extinguishers range from $50 to $300.

Small, portable fire extinguishers weighing two to five pounds cost $50 to $80 each. These fire extinguishers are usually disposable and can be used once. Bigger Class A fire extinguishers weighing 10 pounds or more can cost $100 to $300 each. Multi-purpose fire extinguishers are usually more expensive because they can put out multiple fire types. 

Class A Fire Extinguisher Alternatives

While fire extinguishers help a lot, they can be expensive, heavy, and hard to store. They might also contain toxic chemicals and leave a mess that’s hard to clean up. 

A fire spray is an easy-to-use, lightweight, and affordable alternative to Class A fire extinguishers. Prepared Hero’s fire spray is also biodegradable and non-toxic. Unlike a fire extinguisher, you can safely use it around your family and pets. 

Here’s a table summarizing the differences between Prepared Hero’s fire spray and a regular Class A fire extinguisher:

Another alternative is a fire blanket, which depletes the fire’s oxygen supply. By doing this, it puts out small Class A fires in seconds. It also doesn’t leave a mess because it simply covers the fire.

Unlike fire extinguishers, Prepared Hero’s fire blanket doesn’t expire. You can reuse it as many times as you want as long as it’s not damaged. Plus, you can use it to save someone on fire. 

Here’s a table summarizing the differences between Prepared Hero’s fire blanket and a regular fire extinguisher: