What type of extinguisher is specifically used for Class K fires?

The correct choice is a wet chemical extinguisher, which is specifically designed to combat Class K fires. Class K fires involve cooking oils and fats, typically found in commercial kitchens and food preparation areas. Wet chemical extinguishers contain solutions that are effective in cooling and suppressing these types of fires. The chemical agents in wet chemical extinguishers, often potassium-based, work by creating a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen as well as saponification, which helps to extinguish the fire safely without spreading it.

Other types of extinguishers, such as Class A, Class C, or dry chemical extinguishers, are unsuitable for Class K fires. While Class A extinguishers are used for ordinary combustibles, Class C extinguishers are meant for electrical fires, and dry chemical extinguishers can be effective in a variety of situations, they do not address the specific challenges posed by cooking oil fires and may not extinguish them effectively without re-ignition. Understanding the appropriate use and limitations of each type of extinguisher is crucial for effective fire safety management in environments where different fire risks are present.