What kind of fire is caused by grease?

Grease fires are categorized as Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids and gases. This classification includes substances like grease, oil, gasoline, and other similar materials that ignite easily and can spread rapidly. When grease is exposed to an open flame or high heat, it can ignite and lead to a fire that can be challenging to control.

Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, and cloth. Class C fires concern electrical equipment, and Class D fires are related to combustible metals like magnesium or sodium. Understanding these classifications is crucial for choosing the appropriate type of fire extinguisher and for practicing proper fire safety protocols. In the case of a grease fire, using water can exacerbate the problem since it can cause the grease to splatter and spread the fire, which is why using a Class B rated extinguisher, which often uses foam or dry chemical agents, is typically recommended.