--- title: What is a Class A Fire Extinguisher Used For? description: Class A fire extinguishers are effective for putting out fires with ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, paper, rubber, cloths, and even plastics. image: https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Extinguisher/Fire%20Extinguisher%20Images/shutterstock_753573883-1.jpg --- [![Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png?width=209&height=50&name=koorsen-logo.png "Koorsen Fire & Security")](https://www.koorsen.com/) [CONTACT US](https://www.koorsen.com/contact-us/) [BILL PAY](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) [1.866.311.7753](tel:8663117753) - [About Us](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/) - [History](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/history/) - [Case Studies](https://blog.koorsen.com/case-studies) - [Koorsen Companies](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/companies/) - [Koorsen Training Center](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/training-center/) - [Kasey Program](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/kasey-program/) - [Pay Bill](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) - [Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/) - [Fire Protection](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/) - [Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/) - [Communications](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/) - [Mobile Equipment Solutions](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/mobile-equipment-solutions/) - [Additional Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/#additional) - [Industries](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/) - [Healthcare](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Industrial](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/industrial/) - [Education](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/education/) - [Restaurants](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/restaurants/) - [Property Management](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/property-management/) - [Hospitality](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/hospitality/) - [Retail](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/retail/) - [Construction](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/construction/) - [Locations](https://www.koorsen.com/locations/) - [News](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen In The News](https://www.koorsen.com/in-the-news/) - [Kasey the Dog Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com/kaseys-adventures) - [Careers](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/careers/) # What is a Class A Fire Extinguisher Used For? Posted July 24, 2019 by [Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/author/koorsen-fire-security) ![shutterstock_753573883-1](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Extinguisher/Fire%20Extinguisher%20Images/shutterstock_753573883-1.jpg?width=1200&name=shutterstock_753573883-1.jpg) Far too few individuals are aware that [fire extinguishers](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-extinguishers/) not only come in many types but in specific classes as well, which are intended to indicate the types of fires for which they are effective.  However, since life and property can be dependent on the use of the correct extinguisher on the correct type of fire, in this blog series, the [different classes of fire extinguishers](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-fire-extinguishers-their-uses) and the types of fires they each can handle will be explained, starting with the Class A fire extinguisher.  [![Need Fire Extinguishers? 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The easiest way to remember a Class A material is that is leaves an ash when it burns.   It is these types of fires that [Class A fire extinguishers](https://blog.koorsen.com/2015/05/how-to-use-a-fire-extinguisher) are effective for putting out. ## Class A Fire Extinguishers: Types and Applications As noted above, there are many different types of extinguishers on the market. So, which types are typically rated for Class A fires?    Certain types of extinguishers may be used on more than just Class A, such as the multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher, while others are only ever classified as A, such as the water extinguisher.  It is vital that you use a fire extinguisher classified for the type of fire you are dealing with. Using a wrong fire extinguisher at best could prove ineffective, and at worst, could spread the fire or hazard (such as if a water extinguisher is applied to an oil fire or electrocute you if it is used on an electrical fire).  ## Do You Have The Correct Fire Extinguisher?  Is your home or workplace protected by the correct class of [fire extinguisher](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-extinguishers/)? As noted above, it is vital you have an extinguisher suited for the types of fire hazards unique to the environment it is protecting. If you [need Class A fire extinguishers](https://info.koorsen.com/fire-extinguisher-services-quote) or are unsure of which class and type that would be best suited to your needs, call the experts at Koorsen today. They can provide all of the information and training you need to keep your property and people safe. [![Questions! 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