How should you position yourself relative to a kitchen fire when using a Class K extinguisher?

• A. Stand directly in front of the fire
• B. Move around the fire so you can approach from behind
• C. Stand at a safe distance with a clear exit path and aim from the side, sweeping across the surface
• D. Stay in the kitchen corner away from the fire

Answer: (C)

For a kitchen grease fire, you want to be at a safe distance with a clear exit path and approach from the side, sweeping the agent across the surface. This approach lets you apply the wet chemical effectively to the oil layer without getting trapped by heat or flames. The wet chemical reacts with fats to form a soapy layer that cools and smothers the fire, so sweeping across the entire surface helps ensure all burning oil is treated and reduces the chance of reignition. Standing directly in front exposes you to radiant heat and possible flare-ups, while moving around to come from behind could trap you if the fire shifts, and staying in a corner away from the fire won’t reliably extinguish it or keep a safe escape route open.