What is a Class K Fire Extinguisher? What is it Used For?

Class K fires are ignited through substances such as cooking oils. These types of fires can only be effectively quenched with a Class K fire extinguisher. It is vital for businesses and residents to have the proper firefighting equipment on hand in order to have success when encountering dangerous conflagrations that occur in commercial kitchens and similar venues. At Getz Fire Equipment Company, we can provide you with the information you need to effectively use Class K fire extinguishers.

The Characteristic of Class K Fires

Class K fires have certain similarities to Class B fires because they both have flammable liquids as the combustible agent. Class K fires grow at a rapid pace when liquids and material such as cooking oils, cooking grease, animal fats, and vegetable fats serve as the fuel source.

Kitchen Fires

Commercial kitchens are often the site of high-volume cooking activities. Class K fire extinguishers are necessary to have close by in order to effectively suppress and defeat the fires that are most likely to occur in these venues. Class K fire extinguishers are used in conjunction when the commercial kitchen has a fire suppression system installed.

At Getz Fire Equipment Company, we can give you advice on the specific type of fire extinguisher you need in your facility. It’s important to understand that a Class B fire extinguisher may not adequately deal with certain fires involving oils and fats cooked at high temperatures. These fires may only be defeated efficiently with a Class K fire extinguisher.

Dry and Wet Agents to Extinguish Class K Fires

A Class K fire extinguisher can be used with wet chemical agents. A fine wet mist may be used consisting of an alkaline mixture, such as potassium acetate, potassium carbonate, or potassium citrate that forms a soapy foam as it is applied to the cooking oil or other substance. This quenches the steam, vapors, and the fire’s risk of re-ignition. Class K fire extinguishers should be located within 30 feet of the cooking equipment.

For more information about how you can utilize Class K fire extinguishers effectively to fight these dangerous fires, contact us today at Getz Fire Equipment Company.