What type of fires are classified under Class K?

Class K fires are specifically associated with cooking oils and fats that are common in commercial kitchens. These fires occur when these substances reach their ignition point and can be particularly volatile due to the nature of the materials involved. Class K fire extinguishers are designed to effectively extinguish these types of fires using wet chemical agents that work by cooling the flames and creating a barrier between the fuel and oxygen, which is essential for combustion.

In contrast, electrical fires, flammable metals, and burnable fuels fall into different classifications of fire. Electrical fires are classified as Class C, flammable metals are classified as Class D, and general combustibles, like wood and paper, correspond to Class A. Understanding these classifications is crucial for effective fire prevention and safety measures in environments such as residential care and assisted living facilities, where kitchen safety is paramount.