What does Class K fires specifically refer to?

Class K fires specifically refer to fires that involve cooking oils and fats, primarily those used in commercial kitchens. These are typically high-temperature fires associated with oils such as vegetable or animal fats. The significance of understanding Class K fires is crucial in fire protection and safety in culinary settings since they require specialized extinguishing agents, primarily wet chemical agents, to effectively suppress the flames.

In cooking environments, these types of fires can ignite quickly and spread rapidly due to the nature of the oils, making them particularly hazardous. It's essential for facility fire brigades and kitchen staff to be trained in how to respond to such fires, utilizing the right techniques and extinguishing agents to prevent danger. This specialized classification helps in the selection of appropriate firefighting equipment and strategies in order to maintain safety in kitchens and food-related facilities.