What materials are involved in Class K fires?

Class K fires are specifically related to cooking media, particularly those involving oils and fats, such as vegetable oils and animal fats used in commercial kitchens. These types of fires can occur when these substances reach their flash point, often due to overheating during cooking processes. Class K fire extinguishers are specially designed to tackle these fires by using agents that can saponify the burning oils and fats, allowing for effective cooling and negating the fire's ability to reignite.

Understanding the nature of Class K fires is essential for anyone working in environments that involve cooking, as the fire hazards differ significantly from those associated with other materials such as wood, paper, cloth, or flammable liquids and gases. Each of those material groups corresponds to different classes of fire, which require distinct firefighting techniques and equipment. Hence, recognizing that Class K fires involve cooking oils and fats helps in preparing appropriate fire safety measures in culinary settings.