Safety, Fire & Survival · Firefighting
Why is water the preferred agent for a Class A fire?
- AIt smothers the oxygen instantly
- BIt is non-conductive
- CIt chemically breaks the fuel down
- DIts cooling effect removes heat from the fire✓ Correct
Explanation
Water's great heat-absorbing capacity cools burning solids below their ignition temperature, attacking the heat side of the fire triangle. It is ideal for Class A combustibles but must not be used on live electrical (Class C) or most flammable-liquid (Class B) fires.
Authority: STCW A-VI/1 Basic Training (extinguishing agents)
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