What type of fires is a Water extinguisher suitable for?

A water extinguisher is specifically designed for Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, and textiles. The effectiveness of water extinguishers comes from their ability to cool the burning material, thereby lowering the temperature below the combustion point and assisting in extinguishing the fire.

Class A fires differ from other classes in that Class B fires involve flammable liquids, such as gasoline and oil, and require extinguishing agents that can deal with the chemical properties of those combustibles. Class C fires involve electrical equipment, where using water can pose significant risks, such as electrical shock or further igniting flammable materials.

Therefore, water extinguishers should not be used on anything other than Class A fires and are wholly inappropriate for Class B and Class C fires due to the risks they present. This focus on the suitability of water extinguishers reinforces the importance of understanding fire classes and choosing the appropriate firefighting method for different situations.