College

Which class of fire extinguisher would be best suited to put out a grease fire?

A. Class A
B. Class B
C. Class C
D. Class D

(Note: The correct answer for grease fires is typically Class B or K, depending on the location's standards.)

Answer :

Hello!

Answer:

Class K

Explanation:

A Class K fire extinguisher is the best type of fire extinguisher to use on a grease fire.

Class K fire extinguishers are specifically designed to put out fires involving combustible cooking oils and fats.

They contain a potassium-based extinguishing agent that coats the burning oil and prevents it from re-igniting.

Final answer:

The best fire extinguisher for a grease fire is the Class K extinguisher which uses a fluorinated solution to smother and cool down the fire. The use of dry-cleaning solvent in fire extinguishers is outdated and no longer recommended, with modern technology turning to safer alternatives for firefighting.

Explanation:

The class of fire extinguisher best suited to put out a grease fire is a Class K fire extinguisher. These extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires that involve cooking oils, fats, and greases typically found in commercial cooking operations but are also available for residential use. The extinguishing agents in Class K fire extinguishers, such as a fluorinated solution, smother the fire by spreading across the surface and can even cool the flammable grease to prevent re-ignition.

Historically, certain fire extinguishers contained dry-cleaning solvent and were used for various types of fires, but they are no longer recommended due to health and environmental concerns. Instead, modern fire extinguisher systems rely on substances that have a lower impact on health and the environment but are still effective in extinguishing fires. Technologies like foaming plastics also play a role in fire suppression but are not suitable for grease fires.

It is important to note that using the correct type of fire extinguisher is crucial as using the wrong one could aggravate the fire. For instance, using water can cause a grease fire to spread, and not all extinguishers are intended for oil or fat fires. Educational materials like Figure 1.9 show the importance of proper handling of flammable materials, in this case, greasing joints and removing grease with solvents like hexanes, as improper handling can lead to fire hazards.