Which Class is associated specifically with cooking oils and fats?

Which Class is associated specifically with cooking oils and fats?

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

Answer: (D)

Fires caused by cooking oils and fats are addressed by Class K extinguishers. These are designed for commercial kitchens and use a wet chemical agent (typically potassium acetate) that saponifies fats. That chemical reaction creates a soapy layer on the surface of the oil, cooling it, creating a barrier between the fuel and the air, and helping to prevent reignition. Other classes don’t target these fats in the same way: Class A covers ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, Class B covers flammable liquids, and Class C covers electrical fires. Because oil and fat fires have unique properties and require this specialized approach, Class K is the appropriate choice. It’s also important to avoid water on oil fires, as that can cause splattering and spreading the flames.