Which kitchen equipment fires are most commonly addressed by Class K extinguishers?

• A. Fires involving paper and cardboard
• B. Electrical equipment fires only
• C. Combustible metal fires
• D. Fires involving deep fat fryers, cooking oil in ranges or woks, and other fat/oil appliances

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that Class K extinguishers are specifically designed for fires involving cooking fats and oils in commercial kitchens. This is why they’re the best choice for fires involving deep fat fryers, cooking oil in ranges or woks, and other fat/oil appliances. The wet chemical agent used in Class K extinguishers reacts with fats to form a soapy layer and cools the oil, creating a barrier between fuel and flame and helping prevent re-ignition. Other types of fires mentioned—paper and cardboard (ordinary combustibles), electrical equipment fires, and metal fires—fall under different classes and aren’t addressed by Class K extinguishers.