What Is A Class F Fire? Definition, Types & Extinguishers

In any kitchen, whether that be at home or in the workplace, it is essential to understand the risks of Class F fires and how to stay protected. These fires involve cooking oils and fats, which are involved in many everyday cooking tasks.

In this blog, you'll learn everything about Class F fires: what they are, what they involve, main causes, how to prevent them, and the best extinguishers.

Our fire safety experts have helped many domestic and commercial kitchens stay protected. By the end of this blog, you'll have clear, expert-led advice on Class F fire risks and what actions you need to take to stay safe.

What is a Class F Fire?

A Class F fire is a fire that happens when cooking oils or fats catch fire. These fires are different from fires caused by other flammable liquids since they need to get much hotter before they catch fire. Giving them their own special category: Class F. Left unchecked, they can have a devastating impact. This makes awareness, prevention, and protection vital.

Class F Fire Definition

In simple terms...

Class F fires are cooking fires caused by overheated oil or fat.

What is Burning in a Type F Fire?

In a Type F fire, cooking oils and fats are the fuel that burns. In contrast to other flammable liquids, such as petrol or alcohol, these fuels only ignite at even higher temperatures. Once the fire occurs, it can be very intense and extremely difficult to put out. This is why these fire types have their own category, and require Type F extinguishers.

What do Class F Fires Involve?

Common cooking oils and fats regularly found in Class F fires are:

• Olive oil

• Sunflower oil

• Rapeseed oil

• Butter

• Lard

Cooking oils and fats are a kitchen essential, so the risk of Class F fires in kitchens is extremely high.

Do Class F Fires Involve Chip Pans?

Yes, Class F fires commonly involve chip pans due to them being fires igniting from cooking oils and fats. Other common cooking equipment where Class F fires occur include deep-fat fryers, woks, and large pots used for frying - all can reach the high temperatures needed for cooking oils and fats to catch fire.

What are the Main Causes of Class F Fires?

The main causes of Class F fires are often due to pans being left unattended whilst cooking, leading to cooking oils and fats reaching their flash point and igniting. It is essential when cooking with these substances that you give them your full attention, making sure you have the correct fire protection equipment in place.

How to Prevent Class F Fires

To prevent the risk of Class F fires it is important to pay attention when you cook with cooking oils and fats. Other important precautions involve: having a Class F fire extinguisher, fire blanket, smoke alarm and heat alarm. With these in place you will detect the fire early and have the necessary equipment to be able to put the fire out.

What is a Class F Fire Extinguisher

A Class F fire extinguisher is an extinguisher specifically designed to put out fires started from cooking oils and fats. Class F fire extinguishers involve: wet chemical fire extinguishers, water-mist fire extinguishers, and multi-chemical fire extinguishers.

Why do Some Insurance Companies Require Class F Fire Extinguishers in Kitchens?

Some insurance companies require Class F fire extinguishers in commercial kitchens to prove that you have the correct equipment in case of a kitchen fire ignited from cooking oils and fats. This is important since using the wrong extinguisher type can make the fire worse, and impact your insurance claim.

Fire Extinguishers For Class F Fires

Best Class F Fire Extinguishers