Which fire extinguisher classification covers cooking oils and greases?

Which fire extinguisher classification covers cooking oils and greases?

• A. Class A
• B. Class C
• C. Class D
• D. Class K

Answer: (D)

Fires involving cooking oils and greases require a specialized extinguishing agent. Class K extinguishers are designed for this situation. They use a wet chemical agent, typically potassium acetate, that saponifies fats and oils to form a soapy layer on the surface. This layer cools the oil and creates a barrier that smothers the fire, helping to prevent reignition. Water-based or other types of extinguishers can spread the oil or fail to cool it effectively, making them unsafe or ineffective for kitchen oil fires. So, for cooking oils and greases, the correct classification is Class K.

Fires involving cooking oils and greases require a specialized extinguishing agent. Class K extinguishers are designed for this situation. They use a wet chemical agent, typically potassium acetate, that saponifies fats and oils to form a soapy layer on the surface. This layer cools the oil and creates a barrier that smothers the fire, helping to prevent reignition. Water-based or other types of extinguishers can spread the oil or fail to cool it effectively, making them unsafe or ineffective for kitchen oil fires. So, for cooking oils and greases, the correct classification is Class K.