If a passenger sets their newspaper on fire, this is an example of which class of fire?

The situation described, where a passenger sets their newspaper on fire, falls under Class A fires. Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, and many types of plastics. Since newspapers are primarily composed of paper, they are categorized as a Class A fire source.

Understanding the classification of fires is essential for flight attendants as it guides them in selecting the correct type of fire extinguisher and familiarizes them with appropriate emergency response procedures. Class A fire extinguishers typically contain water or some form of foam that can effectively cool and extinguish burning materials like paper. The other classes of fires represent different materials, such as flammable liquids or electrical fires, which would require different approaches for safe and effective extinguishment.