Which type of fire extinguisher would be most appropriate for fires caused by cooking oils?

Which type of fire extinguisher would be most appropriate for fires caused by cooking oils?

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

Answer: (D)

The most appropriate type of fire extinguisher for fires caused by cooking oils is the Class K fire extinguisher. Class K extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires involving cooking oils and fats, which are often associated with commercial kitchens and deep-frying situations. These fires can burn at very high temperatures and have unique characteristics that require special suppression agents. Class K extinguishers contain a wet chemical agent that effectively cools the fire and also forms a soapy layer on the surface of the burning oil, which helps to smother the flames and prevent re-ignition. In contrast, other classes of extinguishers may not be effective or safe to use on cooking oil fires. For example, a Class B extinguisher is aimed at flammable liquids but might not adequately address the challenges posed by cooking oils. Similarly, a Class C extinguisher is intended for electrical fires and does not address the specific needs of cooking oil fires. Class A extinguishers are suitable for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper but are ineffective on cooking oil fires. Thus, Class K is the designated option that specifically targets cooking oil and fat fires safely and effectively.

The most appropriate type of fire extinguisher for fires caused by cooking oils is the Class K fire extinguisher. Class K extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires involving cooking oils and fats, which are often associated with commercial kitchens and deep-frying situations.

These fires can burn at very high temperatures and have unique characteristics that require special suppression agents. Class K extinguishers contain a wet chemical agent that effectively cools the fire and also forms a soapy layer on the surface of the burning oil, which helps to smother the flames and prevent re-ignition.

In contrast, other classes of extinguishers may not be effective or safe to use on cooking oil fires. For example, a Class B extinguisher is aimed at flammable liquids but might not adequately address the challenges posed by cooking oils. Similarly, a Class C extinguisher is intended for electrical fires and does not address the specific needs of cooking oil fires. Class A extinguishers are suitable for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper but are ineffective on cooking oil fires. Thus, Class K is the designated option that specifically targets cooking oil and fat fires safely and effectively.