Which of the following is a characteristic of a Class C fire?

A Class C fire is specifically defined as one that involves electrical equipment. This categorization is crucial because extinguishing such a fire typically requires unique considerations to avoid electrical hazards. Water, which is commonly used for many fire types, is a conductor of electricity and can pose a serious safety risk if applied to electrical fires. Therefore, the appropriate extinguishing agents for Class C fires are typically non-conductive, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical extinguishers, to safely address the source of the fire without creating additional hazards.

The other options refer to different classes of fires. Flammable liquids are typically classified as Class B fires, ordinary combustibles like wood and paper relate to Class A fires, and cooking oils are categorized as Class K fires. Understanding these classifications is vital for selecting the appropriate response and extinguishing methods for different types of fires encountered in various environments.