What type of fire extinguisher should be used for cooking oil fires?

The appropriate type of fire extinguisher for cooking oil fires is Class K. Class K extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires that involve cooking oils and fats, which are common in commercial kitchens and restaurants. The unique composition of these cooking oils can lead to very high-temperature fires that require specialized extinguishing agents.

Class K extinguishers contain a wet chemical agent that not only cools the fire but also creates a barrier between the oxygen and the fuel, effectively smothering the flames and preventing re-ignition. This is crucial as cooking oil fires can escalate quickly and are more hazardous than regular combustible material fires.

In contrast, Class A extinguishers are suitable for ordinary combustibles like wood, cloth, and paper but are not effective against kitchen oils. Class B extinguishers are meant for flammable liquids like gasoline and solvents, which also do not adequately address cooking oil fires. Class C extinguishers are designed for electrical fires and would not be effective or safe to use on oil fires, especially if those fires stem from cooking equipment. Thus, Class K is the only appropriate choice for safely and effectively handling cooking oil fires.