Which fire class does cooking oil fires belong to?

Cooking oil fires are categorized as Class K fires. This classification specifically addresses fires that involve cooking oils and fats, which are commonly used in kitchens. Class K fires are unique because they require specific extinguishing agents that can effectively combat the high temperatures and chemical properties associated with cooking oils.

Firefighting techniques for Class K fires often involve the use of wet chemical extinguishers, which are designed to cool the flames while also forming a barrier to prevent re-ignition. This is particularly crucial because cooking oils can ignite quickly and burn intensely, making proper classification and knowledge of suitable extinguishing methods essential for mitigating risks in kitchen environments.

Understanding the nature of Class K fires helps firefighters and safety professionals develop appropriate prevention strategies and response procedures to deal with incidents involving cooking oils safely and effectively.