Water is a suitable extinguishing agent for which type of materials?

Water is a suitable extinguishing agent for materials such as wood, cloth, and paper because these are classified as Class A combustible materials. Water effectively cools the burning material and removes heat from the fire, which is essential for extinguishing it. It can also create a barrier to prevent re-ignition by soaking the fuels involved.

Using water on other types of fires, such as flammable solvents, electrical fires, or grease fires, can be dangerous and ineffective. For example, water can spread flammable solvents or create a greater hazard in the case of electrical fires by conducting electricity. In the case of grease fires, water can cause the burning grease to splatter and spread, potentially worsening the situation. This makes water specifically appropriate for Class A materials, highlighting the importance of knowing the right extinguishing agent for different types of fires.