A kitchen fire involving grease or oil is classified as which type of fire?

A kitchen fire involving grease or oil is classified as a Class K fire. Class K fires are specifically associated with cooking oils and greases that are commonly found in commercial kitchens and restaurants. This classification is essential because these types of fires require specialized extinguishing agents that are designed to combat the unique properties of cooking oils which can ignite at high temperatures and burn very intensely.

Using the correct type of extinguisher is crucial in such situations. For Class K fires, wet chemical fire extinguishers are recommended as they not only cool the flames but also form a barrier that helps prevent re-ignition by emulsifying the burning oils. Understanding this classification helps in employing the right fire safety measures and ensuring effective response strategies in kitchen environments.