What type of fire extinguishing agent is used for fires involving cooking oils?

Fires involving cooking oils, particularly those associated with deep-frying or other cooking methods involving fats, are classified as Class K fires. These types of fires require a specific type of extinguisher designed to effectively cool and extinguish the burning oil without causing the fire to spread. Class K extinguishing agents typically include wet chemical agents that can create a barrier between the fuel and oxygen, extinguishing the flames and preventing re-ignition.

Other classes of extinguishing agents are not suitable for these types of fires. For instance, Class D agents are meant for combustible metals, while Class A agents are suitable for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper. Class B agents, while designed for flammable liquids, do not specifically address the unique characteristics of cooking oils, which can behave differently than other flammable liquids. Therefore, Class K is crucial for effectively handling cooking oil fires.