What type of fires involve combustible and flammable materials like paper and wood?

Class "A" fires specifically involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and some plastics. These materials can ignite easily and produce embers that can contribute to the spread of the fire. Class "A" fires are extinguished using water or other agents that can cool down the burning material, thereby eliminating the heat necessary for the combustion process.

In contrast, Class "B" fires involve flammable liquids and gases, such as gasoline and oil. Class "C" fires pertain to energized electrical equipment, while Class "D" fires are related to combustible metals like magnesium and sodium. Each class of fire is distinguished by the specific materials that are burning and requires different types of extinguishing techniques, making it crucial to identify the correct class in order to respond effectively. Thus, the classification of fires helps in selecting the appropriate fire extinguishing methods and enhancing safety measures in various environments.