Which class of fires are kitchen fires primarily involving cooking grease and fats?

Which class of fires are kitchen fires primarily involving cooking grease and fats?

• A. A
• B. B
• C. C
• D. K

Answer: (D)

Fires are categorized by the type of fuel they involve, so the right approach depends on what’s burning. Kitchen fires caused by cooking grease and fats fall into Class K. This category is specifically for fats and oils used in cooking, which burn very hot and can reignite if not treated properly. Class K extinguishers use a wet chemical agent that saponifies fats, forming a soapy layer and cooling the surface to smother the fire and prevent reignition. Water should not be used on grease fires because it can cause the oil to splash and spread the flames. In kitchens, a Class K extinguisher—or covering the pan with a metal lid or fire blanket—is the recommended approach. Other classes address different fuels: ordinary combustibles (like wood and paper) are Class A, flammable liquids are Class B, and energized electrical equipment is Class C. For a grease fire, Class K is the appropriate designation.

Fires are categorized by the type of fuel they involve, so the right approach depends on what’s burning. Kitchen fires caused by cooking grease and fats fall into Class K. This category is specifically for fats and oils used in cooking, which burn very hot and can reignite if not treated properly. Class K extinguishers use a wet chemical agent that saponifies fats, forming a soapy layer and cooling the surface to smother the fire and prevent reignition. Water should not be used on grease fires because it can cause the oil to splash and spread the flames. In kitchens, a Class K extinguisher—or covering the pan with a metal lid or fire blanket—is the recommended approach. Other classes address different fuels: ordinary combustibles (like wood and paper) are Class A, flammable liquids are Class B, and energized electrical equipment is Class C. For a grease fire, Class K is the appropriate designation.