Which class is associated with cooking oil fires?

Which class is associated with cooking oil fires?

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

Answer: (D)

Cooking oil fires fall under Class K. These fires involve fats and oils that burn at high temperatures and can create a greasy layer that keeps the fire going. Water is dangerous here because it can cause the oil to spatter and spread the fire, and many common extinguishing agents aren’t effective on fats. Class K extinguishers use a wet chemical agent (potassium acetate) that saponifies fats, turning the surface into a soapy layer that cools the oil and forms a barrier to air, stopping re-ignition. This specialized approach is why Class K is the appropriate choice for kitchens and cooking oil fires. For contrast, Class A targets ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, Class B targets flammable liquids, and Class C targets energized electrical fires.

Cooking oil fires fall under Class K. These fires involve fats and oils that burn at high temperatures and can create a greasy layer that keeps the fire going. Water is dangerous here because it can cause the oil to spatter and spread the fire, and many common extinguishing agents aren’t effective on fats. Class K extinguishers use a wet chemical agent (potassium acetate) that saponifies fats, turning the surface into a soapy layer that cools the oil and forms a barrier to air, stopping re-ignition. This specialized approach is why Class K is the appropriate choice for kitchens and cooking oil fires. For contrast, Class A targets ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, Class B targets flammable liquids, and Class C targets energized electrical fires.