Which type of fire can be extinguished with water?

The type of fire that can be extinguished with water is Class A. This classification encompasses fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and some types of plastics. Water is effective in extinguishing these fires because it cools the burning material below its ignition temperature, thus stopping the combustion process.

Using water on Class A fires is a common and straightforward fire-fighting technique due to the ability of water to absorb heat and create steam, which can suffocate the fire.

Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases, and using water can cause the burning liquid to spread, making the situation worse. Class C fires are electrical fires, and water is not a suitable extinguishing agent due to the risk of electrical shock. Class D fires involve combustible metals, which can react violently with water, further complicating fire suppression efforts. Hence, Class A fires are the only category where water is a safe and effective extinguishing agent.