A cardboard box in storage area fires would be classified as which fire class?

• A. Class B
• B. Class D
• C. Class A
• D. Class C

Answer: (C)

Fires involving ordinary combustibles like paper-based materials are Class A. A cardboard box is made from paper, so its fire is classified as Class A. It isn’t a flammable-liquid fire, so not Class B; it isn’t an electrical equipment fire, so not Class C; and it isn’t a metal fire, so not Class D. Recognizing cardboard as an ordinary combustible helps you choose appropriate suppression methods, such as water or foam, which are effective for Class A fires.