Final answer:
Wood, paper, textiles, and other ordinary combustibles cause Class A fires, which are characterized by their ability to form ash when burning. Water or foam extinguishers are typically used to extinguish Class A fires.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of fires caused by wood, paper, textiles, and other ordinary combustibles is classified as Class A fires. These materials are known as common combustibles and include items that many people might have in their homes or find in an office environment. The key characteristic of Class A fires is that the fuel sources can form an ash after they burn.
When addressing these types of fires, using a water or foam fire extinguisher is usually effective because they help to cool the burning material below its ignition temperature and/or separate the oxygen from the fuel. It's important to use the correct type of fire extinguisher for each class of fire to ensure that the fire is extinguished properly and safely.