What class of fire is most likely in the passenger cabin due to upholstery and paper, and what extinguishing agent is commonly used on aircraft?

• A. Class B fire; Water
• B. Class A fire; Halon 1301 or equivalent portable extinguisher
• C. Class C fire; CO2
• D. Class D fire; Sand

Answer: (B)

Fires involving upholstery and paper are ordinary combustibles, which means they belong to Class A. These materials burn as solid fuels like fabric and paper, so the extinguisher approach targets the flame chemistry of common combustibles rather than liquids or electrical sources.

On aircraft, the common portable extinguishing agent is Halon 1301 or its modern equivalents. Halons act quickly in confined cabin spaces by interrupting the chemical reactions occurring in the flame, allowing rapid control of the fire without the extensive water damage or electrical safety concerns that other agents could cause. This makes Halon-based extinguishers well-suited for cabin fires involving fabrics, paper, and similar materials.

Water would saturate seats and electronics and isn’t ideal for cabin fires; CO2 can displace oxygen and pose a risk to occupants; and metal fires (Class D) or other non-applicable classes don’t fit the scenario. So the best pairing is an ordinary combustibles fire with Halon 1301 or an equivalent portable extinguisher.