Which is the best extinguisher for class F fires involving cooking oils?

For fires involving cooking oils, which fall under Class F fires, the best type of extinguisher to use is the wet chemical extinguisher. This is because wet chemical extinguishers are specifically designed to combat these types of fires effectively. The wet chemical agent forms a layer of foam on the surface of the burning oil, which helps to cool the flames and suppress the fire.

The unique feature of wet chemical extinguishers is their ability to not only extinguish the flame but also to prevent re-ignition. This is particularly important with cooking oils that can reignite after the initial flames have been extinguished if the proper methods are not employed. The wet chemical agent often contains potassium acetate, which effectively reacts with the oil to create a thick, soapy barrier, thereby suffocating the fire.

In contrast, other extinguisher types like dry powder, water, and foam are not suitable for Class F fires. Dry powder can be effective for some classifications of fires but may not adequately address the specific nature of Class F fires. Water extinguishers can exacerbate the situation by spreading the flames through splashing or can cause dangerous reactions when used on burning oils. Foam extinguishers can also be ineffective for Class F fires,