Which fire protection system is best suited for extinguishing fires involving cooking oils?

The best-suited fire protection system for extinguishing fires involving cooking oils is the chemical agent system. This type of system uses specific chemical agents designed to suppress fires that are categorized as Class K fires, which include those involving cooking oils and fats.

Class K fires require a unique approach because traditional extinguishing agents, such as water, can actually exacerbate the situation by causing the oil to splatter and spread the fire. Chemical agent systems typically utilize agents that can effectively cool the flames and create a barrier over the burning oil, smothering the fire and preventing it from reigniting.

In contrast, while the dry powder system can be effective for various types of fires, it's not specifically formulated for cooking oils, and can create its own challenges in certain situations. The water mist system is often ineffective on grease fires, as water can cause the burning oil to disperse. The carbon dioxide system, while useful for other types of fires, is not recommended for Class K fires due to its inability to cool the surface of the burning oil and prevent re-ignition.

Overall, the chemical agent system is tailored for the specific behavior and characteristics of cooking oil fires, making it the most effective choice for extinguishing such fires safely and efficiently.