Which piece of equipment from the firefighting kit can be used to open cabin furnishings, such as sidewalls?

The correct answer is the pry bar, as it is specifically designed for tasks that require leverage, including opening cabin furnishings like sidewalls in the event of a fire. Using a pry bar allows flight attendants to safely and effectively gain access to areas that may be obstructed or difficult to open, such as cabin closets, sidewalls, or other compartments that could potentially hide fire or smoke hazards.

Each of the other options serves a specific purpose related to firefighting and safety on board. The fire extinguisher is used to put out flames; the cutting tool is typically used for cutting through materials, but it may not provide the necessary leverage to open large or secured surfaces. The hammer could be useful for striking or breaking items, but it lacks the mechanical advantage that a pry bar provides, making it less efficient for opening up structures in emergencies. Therefore, the pry bar is the best tool for accessing cabin furnishings quickly and safely under urgent conditions.