Which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for handling fires caused by ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper?

The choice that pertains to handling fires caused by ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth, is the Class A fire extinguisher. This type of extinguisher is specifically designed to combat fires involving these types of materials by using water or water-based solutions to cool the burning materials and smother the flames. Class A extinguishers typically contain some form of aqueous film-forming foam or plain water, which effectively lowers the temperature of the fire and stops its spread.

Other types of extinguishers serve different purposes; for instance, Class B extinguishers are meant for flammable liquids and gases, while Class C extinguishers are designated for electrical fires. Class K extinguishers are intended for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats. Each class of fire extinguisher is tailored to address different types of fire hazards, underscoring the importance of using the proper class for specific fire scenarios.