Which statement accurately describes how relatively easy or hard it would be for a trained person to extinguish a fire in a wastebasket, with a suitable portable fire extinguisher?

The statement that it would usually be easy to extinguish a fire in a wastebasket with a suitable portable fire extinguisher is correct because wastebasket fires typically consist of materials like paper, plastic, or fabric, which are considered Class A fires. Class A fires can be effectively extinguished using a water-based extinguisher or multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers that are commonly available in homes and workplaces.

Trained individuals understand the proper use of extinguishers, including the appropriate distance and technique, which further enhances their ability to control and extinguish small fires quickly. Given that wastebasket fires are generally small and contained, the likelihood of successful extinguishment is high, especially when the trained person responds promptly and uses the appropriate extinguisher. In many situations, this intervention can prevent a minor fire from escalating into a larger and more dangerous incident.