Which NFPA class corresponds to cooking oils?

Which NFPA class corresponds to cooking oils?

• A. Class K
• B. Class A
• C. Class B
• D. Class D

Answer: (A)

Cooking oil fires require a specialized approach because fats burn at very high temperatures and behave differently from other fuels. In NFPA classifications, cooking oils and fats are categorized as Class K fires. The key reason this is the best fit is that Class K extinguishers use a wet chemical agent that saponifies fats—turning the oil into a soapy layer that cools, blankets, and separates the oil from the air, effectively extinguishing the fire and preventing reignition. This is specifically designed for kitchens and deep-fat fryer scenarios where oil fires are most likely. Other classes cover different fuels: ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, flammable liquids like solvents, and metals, which is why they don’t apply to cooking oil fires.