Which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for kitchen fires involving oil?

The appropriate choice for extinguishing kitchen fires involving oil is Class K. Class K fire extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires that involve cooking oils and fats, such as those found in deep fryers. These extinguishers contain a special wet chemical agent that can effectively cool and smother the fire, preventing it from reigniting.

Class K extinguishers work by creating a barrier between the fuel source (the cooking oil) and the oxygen, as well as saponifying the oils, turning them into a safe, non-flammable soap-like substance. This is crucial in kitchen environments where conventional extinguishers may not be effective or safe.

The other types of extinguishers are not suitable for oil fires. Class A extinguishers are designed primarily for ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper. Class B extinguishers are meant for flammable liquids but do not work well with cooking oils. Class C extinguishers are utilized for electrical fires and are not effective against flammable liquids, including kitchen oils. Thus, Class K is the most effective and recommended choice for dealing with such specific scenarios.