What type of extinguisher is appropriate for Class K fires?

Class K fires involve combustible cooking oils and fats, commonly found in kitchen environments. The appropriate extinguisher for these types of fires is a wet chemical extinguisher. Wet chemical extinguishers are specially designed to combat Class K fires by using a solution that cools the burning materials and forms a non-flammable layer over the surface of the cooking oils, effectively smothering the fire and preventing re-ignition.

These extinguishers generally contain potassium acetate, which is particularly effective against the high-temperature fires produced by cooking oils and fats. By rapidly cooling the flames and extinguishing the fire while also creating a protective barrier, wet chemical extinguishers are essential for safely handling Class K fires in commercial kitchens and other cooking environments. This specialized design makes them more effective than other types of extinguishers for this specific class of fire.