Which class of fires refers specifically to cooking oils and fats?

The correct answer focuses on Class K fires, which are specifically related to cooking oils and fats. This classification is essential for understanding how to effectively combat these types of fires, which can occur in kitchens and areas where deep frying or high-temperature cooking takes place.

Class K fires are unique because they often involve combustible cooking media, such as oils derived from vegetables or animal fats. These types of fires require specialized extinguishing agents known as wet chemical agents that can effectively cool and emulsify the burning oils, preventing re-ignition and reducing flare-ups. Typical fire extinguishers for Class K fires are designed with specific properties that neutralize the chemical reactions in the cooking oils, which is critical for safety in a cooking environment.

In contrast, Class A refers to ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, Class B pertains to flammable liquids such as gasoline and oil, and Class C involves electrical fires. While these other classes are important in their own right, they do not specifically address the hazards associated with cooking oils and fats, which is why Class K is the designated classification for that particular type of fire. Understanding this distinction is crucial for fire safety personnel, especially those working in commercial kitchens where the risk of Class K fires is heightened.