Substances such as cooking oils ignite fires that are referred to as Class K fires. These conflagrations are only effectively defeated through the use of a Class K fire extinguisher. It is important for businesses to have the proper firefighting extinguishers on hand in order to suppress and quench dangerous fires that can occur in commercial kitchens.
Class K Fire Characteristics
The characteristics of Class K fires are similar in nature to Class B fires in that they both combust due to flammable liquids as the fuel source that ignites. When liquids such as cooking grease, vegetable fats, cooking oils, and animal fats ignite, they create a Class K fire that can grow very rapidly and cause a significant amount of destruction.
Commercial Kitchen Fires
Significant amount of cooking activity can occur in a commercial kitchen and a small period of time. The more cooking activity of this nature that takes place, the greater the possibility that a fire could ignite, especially due to the buildup of grease that can create serious buyer dangers. For this reason, it is necessary to have Class K fire extinguisher units on hand to suppress fires that could develop. It’s also important to understand that Class K fires cannot be defeated effectively with a Class B fire extinguisher. It is necessary to have the right fire extinguisher for the right fire in order to ensure a dangerous conflagration can be suppressed effectively.
Dry and Wet Agents
Wet or dry chemical agents may be used with a Class K fire extinguisher. With a dry chemical agent, potassium carbonate is the material used. When a wet chemical agent is used, it is often a fine wet mist consisting of an alkaline mixture such as potassium carbonate, potassium acetate, or potassium citrate. The mixture develops a soapy form and as it is applied to the cooking oil or other flammable substance, it immediately quenches the vapors and steam, and defeats the fire’s tendency to reignite. These fire extinguishers can effectively attack fires at a distance of about 30 feet.
For more information about the availability of Class K fire extinguishers for your commercial kitchen, contact an experienced fire protection company today.
