What Class is Grease Fires
Grease fire belongs to class K of fire classification. These Class K fires involve flammable liquids, similar to Class B fires, but are specifically related to food service and the restaurant industry. These common fires start from the combustion of liquid cooking materials including grease, oils, and vegetable and animal fats.
However, a grease fire can also be classified as a class B fire if it is not related to the food service and restaurant industry. For example if by chance a grease fire set out in a less likely mechanic workshop, we could classify that as a class B fire.
How to put out a Grease Fire
Grease fires can be put out by following two (2) major approaches:
- Smothering: This involves cutting off the oxygen supply to the fire; this can be achieved by covering the cooking pot with a metal lid.
- Use of fire extinguishers: Most grease fires a class K fires, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommended fire extinguishers are Wet Chemicals. On Class K fires the agent forms a foam blanket to prevent re-ignition. The water content of the agent aids in cooling and reducing the temperature of the hot oils and fats below their autoignition point. The agent, when discharged as a fine spray directly at cooking appliances, reduces the possibility of splashing hot grease and does not present a shock hazard to the operator.
Additionally, make sure you turn the heat off and do not move the pot. When trying to extinguish a grease fire you should never attempt to extinguish the fire with water, do not fan the fire with either dry or wet cloths as it could cause the fire to spread to other structures, and never attempt to use flour on grease fires.
- Never leave the kitchen when heating the grease and oil
- Closely monitor the heating temperature to avoid overheating
- Do not answer calls when heating your grease and oil as it can trigger fire.
- When you have heated your grease and oil to the required temperature, make sure you turn off your cooker and take it off.
- Avoid heating grease before putting food into it.
Conclusion
Grease fires are fires that result from the overheating of grease and belong to class K of fire classification and can be extinguished either by smothering or the use of a wet chemical fire extinguisher.
