What fire extinguisher should be used for solid material fires?

The appropriate fire extinguisher for solid material fires, such as those involving wood, paper, cloth, and plastics, is the water extinguisher. This type of extinguisher works effectively by cooling the burning material and reducing the heat that is fueling the fire, which ultimately helps to extinguish it. Water extinguishers are specifically designed to combat Class A fires, which include solid combustibles.

Using water is beneficial as it is widely available and safe for the environment. However, it is important to note that water should not be used on fires involving flammable liquids (Class B), electrical fires (Class C), or combustible metals (Class D), as it could exacerbate these situations rather than resolve them.

In contrast, foam extinguishers are used primarily for flammable liquid fires and do not provide the efficient cooling required for solid materials. CO2 extinguishers are ideal for electrical fires and flammable liquids but are less effective against solid material fires due to their lack of cooling capability. Dew extinguishing agents may refer to specialized products not typically used in basic fire situations, further indicating that water is the most suitable and universally recognized choice for solid material fires.