Fire extinguishers should be located within how many feet of a cooking appliance in a kitchen?

The correct answer indicates that fire extinguishers should be located within 30 feet of a cooking appliance in a kitchen. This guideline is crucial for safety, as cooking appliances are common sources of fires in kitchens. Having an extinguisher within this distance ensures that if a fire starts while cooking, the person can quickly access the extinguisher and address the fire before it spreads, reducing the risk of injury and damage.

In commercial kitchens, where the risk is heightened due to the frequent use of flammable materials and heat sources, accessibility to a fire extinguisher is even more critical. By complying with this 30-foot guideline, property owners and managers can promote a safer environment for both employees and patrons.

While other distances, such as 15, 20, or 40 feet, may seem reasonable, they do not align with the recommendations for immediate access to firefighting resources in the event of a kitchen fire. Having the extinguisher too far away can result in delays that may allow the fire to escalate, posing a greater hazard. Thus, ensuring fire extinguishers are placed within 30 feet of cooking appliances is a necessary precaution in fire safety management.