What type of incident is classified as a Class K fire?

A Class K fire specifically refers to fires that involve cooking oils and fats, which are often found in commercial kitchens and restaurants. These fires are unique because they require specialized extinguishing agents, such as wet chemical agents, to effectively smother and cool the blazing oils.

When cooking oils and fats reach a certain temperature, they can ignite and create a fire that is different in behavior and extinguishing needs compared to other types of fires. The burning oil can splatter, and using water or other common extinguishing methods can exacerbate the situation. Therefore, the classification of a fire as Class K highlights the importance of recognizing the special hazards that come from cooking environments and the specific strategies needed to manage these fires safely and effectively.

Understanding the nature of Class K fires allows firefighters and kitchen personnel to respond appropriately, reducing the potential for injury and damage during such incidents.