Which type of fire can be addressed with a Class K extinguisher?

A Class K extinguisher is specifically designed to combat fires that involve cooking oils and fats, particularly those that are found in commercial kitchens. This type of fire extinguisher uses a special wet chemical agent that effectively cools and saponifies the burning oils, thereby forming a barrier that prevents re-ignition.

Cooking oils and fats can reach very high flash points, and when ignited, they can create a particularly dangerous fire that is difficult to extinguish using standard fire extinguishing agents. Therefore, the Class K extinguisher is essential in food service environments, where the risk of such fires is prevalent.

The other types of fires listed do not fall under the Class K extinguisher's purpose. Fires involving wood and paper are more appropriately handled by Class A extinguishers; flammable liquids and gases require Class B extinguishers; and electrical fires should be addressed with Class C extinguishers, making the use of a Class K extinguisher in those scenarios ineffective and potentially hazardous.