What kind of extinguisher is appropriate for oil fires in kitchens?

A Class K extinguisher is specifically designed for extinguishing fires that involve cooking oils and fats, which are commonly found in commercial kitchens. These extinguishers contain agents that are effective in dealing with the unique challenges posed by high-temperature oil fires. This class of extinguisher works by cooling and saponifying the burning oil, effectively smothering the flames and preventing reignition.

Class B extinguishers are meant for flammable liquids like gasoline and oil, but they are not tailored for the specific chemistry of cooking oils used in kitchens, making them less effective in that environment. Class C extinguishers are intended for electrical fires and do not address fires fueled by oils. Class A extinguishers are designed for ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper, and would not be suitable for kitchen oil fires either. Therefore, the Class K extinguisher is the correct choice for extinguishing oil fires in kitchens, particularly in settings where such fires are a significant risk.