What type of extinguisher is suitable for cooking oils and fats?

The suitable extinguisher for cooking oils and fats is the yellow wet chemical extinguisher. This type of extinguisher is specifically designed to combat fires involving cooking oils and fats, which can ignite and burn vigorously at high temperatures.

Wet chemical extinguishers contain a solution that cools the flames and forms a barrier between the oxygen and the fat, effectively extinguishing the fire. The active agent in wet chemical extinguishers is typically potassium acetate, which is effective in controlling fires on kitchen equipment and cooking appliances.

In contrast, other extinguishers are not safe or effective for this type of fire. For instance, the red water extinguisher is suitable only for solid materials, while the cream foam extinguisher is effective for flammable liquids but not specifically designed for fats. The black carbon dioxide extinguisher can be used on electrical fires and flammable liquids but does not address the unique properties of fats and oils, which can lead to a resurgence of fire if not properly managed.