Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) Practice Test

Water is often considered the most effective extinguisher for a wood fire because it can effectively cool the burning material and reduce its temperature below the ignition point, thereby extinguishing the flames. The application of water on a wood fire helps to saturate the fuel and eliminate the heat required for combustion. Since wood is organic and burns through a process of combustion that produces ash and smoke, the introduction of water not only helps extinguish the fire but can also prevent it from reigniting by cooling the surrounding area.

In contrast, using water on an oil or gas fire can be extremely dangerous. Water does not mix with oil and can cause the fire to spread, as it may push flammable materials away or cause splashing. For electrical fires, water poses a risk of electric shock and can exacerbate the situation. Therefore, when considering the properties of various extinguishers and the nature of the materials involved, water is best suited for extinguishing wood fires.