Class K Fire Extinguishers
K CLass Fire Extinguisher
Kitchen fires need to be handled differently than fires that may break out in an office space or retail location—grease and oils fueling the fire can become worse with traditional fire sprinkler systems or multipurpose fire extinguishers. Because of that, if you own or operate a restaurant or commercial kitchen in the Mid-South area, you’re likely familiar with Class K fire extinguishers.
If you need fire extinguisher service, including installation, replacement, or inspection for your Mid-South restaurant, call State Systems today. Our technicians will properly place and install Class K fire extinguishers to protect your employees, guests and equipment in the event of an emergency. Call us today at 901.612.2415 to request a quote or service.
Commercial Kitchen Fire Protection That Meets Code and Protects Your Business
Cooking fires remain one of the leading causes of damage in commercial properties. That risk is exactly why Class K fire extinguishers are required in most commercial kitchens. These extinguishers are specifically designed to suppress grease fires caused by cooking oils and fats, stopping flames quickly while reducing the risk of re-ignition.
If your facility cooks with oils or fats, a Class K fire extinguisher is not optional. It is a critical life safety device and must meet specific fire code requirements outlined in NFPA 10 and NFPA 96.
Below, we break down what those requirements mean, how Class K fire extinguishers are used, and what’s required to keep your kitchen compliant and protected.
What Is a Class K Fire Extinguisher?
A Class K fire extinguisher is a specialized extinguisher designed to combat fires involving cooking oils, animal fats, and grease commonly found in commercial kitchens. Unlike standard extinguishers, Class K units discharge a wet chemical agent that rapidly cools the fire and reacts with hot grease through a process called saponification.
During saponification, the wet chemical agent converts burning grease into a soapy, foam-like substance that smothers the flames and seals the surface of the oil. This foam barrier helps prevent oxygen from feeding the fire and significantly reduces the risk of re-ignition.
Because of this chemical reaction, Class K fire extinguishers are far more effective and safer for commercial kitchen environments than standard ABC or CO₂ extinguishers, which are not designed to handle high-temperature grease fires.
What Are Class K Fire Extinguishers Used For?
Class K fire extinguishers are used to control commercial cooking fires involving high temperature oils and grease, including:
Deep fryers
Griddles and flat top grills
Ranges and stovetops
Woks
Commercial ovens
Grease producing cooking equipment
They are required in environments such as restaurants, cafeterias, food trucks, commercial kitchens, and institutional kitchens like schools, hospitals, and assisted living facilities.
If grease or cooking oil is part of your operation, a Class K fire extinguisher is essential.
Class K Extinguishers Vs others
Class A extinguishers are designed for paper, wood, and trash and are not suitable for grease fires.
Class B extinguishers are used for flammable liquids but are not designed for cooking oils.
Class C extinguishers are intended for electrical fires only.
Class D extinguishers are required for combustible metal hazards.
Class K fire extinguishers are the only extinguisher type specifically engineered for commercial cooking fires involving grease and oils.
Schedule K Class Fire Extinguisher Service Today
Class K fire extinguishers play a critical role in protecting commercial kitchens from grease fires and costly downtime. When properly installed, inspected, and maintained, they help meet fire code requirements while giving your team the tools they need to respond quickly in an emergency.
State Systems provides professional Class K fire extinguisher inspection, service, and replacement to help keep your kitchen compliant and protected. If you are unsure whether your extinguishers meet current requirements or are due for service, our team is here to help.
Schedule a Class K fire extinguisher inspection or contact State Systems today to ensure your commercial kitchen is ready when it matters most.
Testimonials
State Systems is proud to provide service in the following locations:
In Arkansas: Arkadelphia, Benton, Blytheville, Conway, El Dorado, Forrest City, Helena, Hot Springs, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Marion, Mountain View, Paragould, West Helena, Wynne, Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Centerton, Siloam Springs, Huntsville, Lowell, Bella Vista, Fort Smith, Greenwood, Gravette, and Gentry.
In Tennessee: Arlington, Bartlett, Brentwood, Clarksville, Collierville, Columbia, TN, Cookeville, Dyersburg, Franklin, Gallatin, Germantown, Hendersonville, Jackson, Lakeland, Lebanon, Martin, Memphis, Millington, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Spring Hill, Tipton and Union City.
In Mississippi: Batesville, Clarksdale, Cleveland, Columbus, Greenville, Greenwood, Grenada, Hernando, Horn Lake, Olive Branch, Oxford, Senatobia, Southaven, Starkville, Tunica, Tupelo, and West Point.
In Alabama: Athens, Cullman, Decatur, Fayette, Florence, Fort Payne, Gadsden, Guntersville, Hamilton, Huntsville, Jasper, Muscle Shoals, Russellville and Scottsboro.