Which type of fire extinguisher should be located in the kitchen?

• A. BC
• B. ABC
• C. Water
• D. D

Answer: (B)

Understanding extinguisher types hinges on which fires they can safely tackle. In a kitchen, you want a single unit that can handle the common hazards found there: ordinary combustibles like paper towels and cardboard; flammable liquids such as cooking oil and grease; and electrical equipment. A multipurpose extinguisher designed for these three areas is the most versatile choice because it can be used on the typical kitchen fires that might start on counters, near the stove, or around outlets. An option that only covers flammable liquids and electrical fires won’t address everyday combustibles, and water extinguishers are unsafe on grease fires and around electrical equipment. Fire safety also uses a separate class for metal fires, which isn’t relevant to kitchen hazards. So, the best fit is the multipurpose extinguisher that covers paper/wood, liquids, and electrical fires.