What types of fires are water extinguishers primarily used on?

Water extinguishers are specifically effective for fires involving solid materials, particularly common combustibles like paper, wood, and textiles. This is because water cools the burning material, reducing the temperature below the ignition point and effectively extinguishing the fire.

Using water extinguishers on solids entails that they are not suitable for certain types of fires, such as those caused by flammable liquids, electrical equipment, or gases. In these cases, using water can exacerbate the situation, causing a fire to spread or creating dangerous hazards, such as electrocution in the case of electrical fires. Therefore, understanding the correct applications of various types of fire extinguishers is crucial for effective and safe fire management.