Wood, paper and textile fires are categorised as Class A fires. Water extinguishers are recommended as the best fire extinguisher for paper, wood, and other solid combustibles.
ABC powder and foam fire extinguishers can also be used to extinguish paper and wood fires.
Class A type fires can burn quickly and spread rapidly. It is important to use an appropriate fire extinguisher to safely tackle solid combustible fires. Solids such as wood and paper are in almost all business and home environments. So, it is hardly surprising these fires are so common.
Combustibles like paper and wood are often used in controlled fires such as bonfires and barbecues. This means it’s advisable for domestic households to have a suitable extinguisher to hand to deal with any outbreaks of fire.
What Happens During Paper & Wood Fires?
All fires need 3 elements to create ignition. Heat and oxygen to are present in all types of fire. The third element is the fuel, which is the factor used to assign each type of fire a different class.
For Class A fires, paper, wood, cloth, and non melting plastic create the fuel source.
One way of detecting if the fire is a flammable solids fire is to look for evidence of ash. This type of fire can almost happen in any environment but there are some places where they are more likely.
Offices, schools, factories, and retail are all at risk of Class A fires. Domestic buildings are also a common location for this type of fire, often started by candles or matches.
Water Fire Extinguishers
To safely tackle a solid combustible fire, the best extinguisher to use is a water fire extinguisher. Also known as Class A Extinguishers, water can be used to safely douse paper or wood fires.
Almost all businesses will have one of these on the premises. As well as putting out paper fires, water also tackles fabric, material, sofas, furniture, and clothes.
You should never attempt to use water fire extinguishers on electrical fires as this can result in electrocution.
Powder and foam extinguishers can be used safely on wood and paper too. These types of appliance are often used as office fire extinguishers because of the many different types of fire risk in an office building environment.
See Also: Fire extinguisher regulations in the workplace.
What Colour are Water Extinguishers?
You can identify a water extinguisher by looking for a red label with ‘Water’ printed on it.
The red label is near the top of the extinguisher, and the word is typed in white with the red label in the background.
See Also: Fire extinguisher colour code guide – how to identify extinguishers via the label colour coding system.
How do Water Fire Extinguishers Work?
Water fire extinguishers get to work by tackling the heat source of the fire.
You should only use an extinguisher if the fire is small and contained. If it has spread or is too big, close the door and call the fire brigade.
The water will immediately cool down the fire and can also act as a barrier to the oxygen supply. You only need to get rid of one of the components of the fire for it to die down.
How to Put Out a Paper or Wood Fire
If you feel you can safely put out a paper or wood fire yourself then follow the steps below:-
1. Assess The Situation
Only decide to tackle the fire if it is small, manageable and you aren’t alone. If you aren’t happy to proceed then close the door, walk away and call the fire brigade.
2. Locate The Water Extinguisher
Fetch the water extinguisher and stand safely back, at least 1 metre. Make sure you have room around you and there is a safe exit if it is needed.
3. Check For Electrical Equipment
If there is anything electrical nearby then switch them off. Water on an electrical source will only exuberate the existing fire.
4. Pull The Safety Pin
When you pull the safety pin on the extinguisher this breaks the tamper seal, meaning it can now be used.
5. Squeeze the Lever
Squeezing the lever will cause the water to start being discharged. If the fire is spreading horizontally, then start at the base and move sideways. If the fire is spreading vertically, then start at the base and work your way up towards the top.
6. Look For Signs Fire Is Distinguishing
As the fire starts to dull, you can move a little closer so that you can deal with the rest of it. You should check carefully for signs of reignition.
7. Make Sure The Fire Is Out
Check carefully that the fire is out and do not assume it will not reignite. Once you are sure it is out, you can step back and assess the situation.
8. Replace The Fire Extinguisher
Don’t forget to replace the used water extinguisher as soon as possible. There should always be a full one on the premises.
How to Avoid Paper & Wood Fires?
There are basic fire precautions you can take to minimise the risk of paper and wood fires from occurring.
- Keep the workplace clutter free.
- Try not to have too many solid combustibles in one area, spread them out.
- Do not store items near ignition sources.
- Install automatic sprinklers.
- A good cleaning routine will help keep the palace organised and safe.
- Turn off sources of electricity when no one is there.
FAQs
You should not use CO² fire extinguishers on a paper fire. These are for use on electrical or flammable liquid fires. This type of extinguisher can pose a risk to health if used in a confined space.
A class A fire extinguisher should be used to deal with small contained fires such as one occurring in a paper bin. The most commonly used class A extinguisher for paper fires is a water extinguisher. However, ABC and foam extinguishers can also be used.
