Which class of fire extinguisher is specifically designated for kitchen fires involving cooking oils?

Class K fire extinguishers are specifically designed to handle kitchen fires that involve cooking oils and fats. These types of fires can be particularly dangerous and difficult to extinguish, as they require specialized agents that can effectively cool and smother the flames without causing the oil to splatter or reignite. Class K extinguishers typically use a vegetable oil-based foam or wet chemical agent that can safely douse such fires, making them essential for commercial kitchens and environments where cooking oils are prevalent.

In contrast, Class A fire extinguishers handle ordinary combustibles like wood or paper, Class B extinguishers are meant for flammable liquids such as gasoline or oil, and Class C extinguishers are designed for electrical fires. Each of these classes focuses on different types of fire hazards, and using the wrong type could result in ineffective extinguishing efforts or even worsen the situation. Thus, Class K is the correct choice for kitchen fires involving cooking oils.