What type of fire is encompassed in Class A?

Class A fires are defined as those that involve ordinary combustible materials. This includes common substances such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and certain plastics. These materials are characterized by their ability to burn and produce ash, which is a key identifier of Class A fires.

Understanding this classification is crucial for firefighting because it determines the appropriate extinguishing agents and strategies to use. For instance, water is often an effective means of extinguishing Class A fires due to its ability to cool the burning materials and prevent re-ignition.

The other types mentioned in the question correspond to different classes of fires: electrical fires fall under Class C, flammable gases are part of Class B, and fires involving metals are categorized as Class D. Each class has specific characteristics and requires tailored approaches for suppression and safety. This classification system helps firefighters quickly assess and respond to different types of fire incidents appropriately.