What type of fire extinguisher is suitable for kitchen fires involving frying pans?

A Class K fire extinguisher is specifically designed for fires that involve cooking oils and fats, which are common in kitchen environments, particularly with frying pans. These types of fires can be particularly dangerous as cooking oils can ignite and create a fast-spreading fire. Class K extinguishers utilize a special wet chemical agent that can effectively cool and smother the flames, helping to prevent re-ignition and allowing for safe and effective fire suppression in kitchen scenarios.

Other extinguisher classes focus on different types of fires: Class A is for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, Class B is designed for flammable liquids like gasoline or oils, and Class C is for electrical fires. These classes would not be suitable for kitchen fires involving cooking oils, which is why the Class K extinguisher is the correct choice in this situation.