Restaurant kitchens are a high-risk area for fire, from the open flame on the stoves to all the grease and oil. An estimated 5,600 restaurant fires occur each year, causing $116 million in property damage and about 100 injuries. Every restaurant owner should be proactive about fire suppression systems and procedures to protect their employees, clientele, and equipment.

Commercial Kitchen Fire Safety Guide

1. Install a Fire Suppression System

An automatic fire suppression system targets the most common cause of kitchen fires: the stoves and frying equipment. They are installed in the exhausts above these pieces of equipment. When the system detects a fire, the nozzles hidden in the exhaust release a chemical that suffocates the fire. Without an oxygen supply, the fire cannot burn and will die out. The system will simultaneously cut off the fuel line, so the fire does not have the fuel to grow.

2. Conduct Fire Safety Training

Your team is an essential factor in keeping your kitchen a safe place, so bring in a professional to provide fire safety training. They will teach them how to minimize fire hazards, store flammable liquids properly, and use chemicals safely. They will also teach them how to react if a fire does break out. If they know where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it correctly, they can contain the fire, minimizing damage and keeping everyone safe.

3. Maintain Your Equipment

The grease that builds up on equipment is a significant fire hazard. A single spark can ignite a grease fire, which will spread rapidly. Use cleaning checklists to remove any grease buildup on the walls, ranges, vents, filters, and other equipment surfaces. How often your equipment needs to be cleaned will depend on how often it’s used and what type of cooking you’re doing. Have your grease traps cleaned out every one to three months.

Fire Protection Specialists will help you run a safe kitchen. Serving La Crosse County in Wisconsin, they have two convenient locations—Bangor and Eau Claire. Their certified technicians install the latest cutting-edge fire suppression systems and offer safety training for your team. They’ll ensure that all your cleaning, equipment, and inspections meet NFPA®-96, International Mechanical Code, and International Fire Code standards. Learn more on their website, or call (800) 658-9463 to schedule a consultation with either location.