Commercial kitchen fires happen a lot more often than residential fires. Statistics reported an estimated 5,600 restaurant fires occurred each year from 2011 to 2013 in the United States. Though fire is what drives the kitchen, especially for businesses involved in cooking like restaurants, accidental fires can cause great devastation to a business. But, by understanding your risks and the most common causes of commercial fires, you can take ways to prevent such disasters to occur.
Most Common Causes of Commercial Kitchen Fires
Restaurants are full of potential fire hazards, including equipment and fabrics that can ignite.
1. Cooking equipment
Equipment such as a deep fryer, grill, oven, and stove is one of the most common causes of fires in the kitchen. Defective appliances can also lead to commercial fire damage when a spark begins and could ignite nearby grease or oil buildup and combustible materials.
2. Electrical Wiring
Overloaded circuits, frayed cords, and worn out or faulty wirings can cause a fire. Also, if there is an electrical problem in the kitchen, such as a defective socket or incorrect use of extension cords, a fire may start. Furthermore, overloading the kitchen with appliances can also pose a fire risk. The building's electrical capacity might not be able to accommodate the power consumption, which can result in short circuits, overheating, explosions, and fires.
3. Flammable Liquids
Ingredients for your dishes such as grease, oils, and alcohol are some of the most flammable and combustible items in the kitchen. These items are usually placed in metal containers, which can pose a fire risk if not properly cleaned. Also, fire involving these items is hard to contain and can cause big fires because of their ability to spread rapidly.
4. Kitchen Rag and Towels
Most commercial kitchen fires use rags and towels to wipe off grease residue, cooking oil, and mess around the area. Over time, the residue that builds up from grease and oil can ignite when comes into contact with sparks and cooking fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 20 % of kitchen fires have been caused by grease accumulation. Furthemore, when these liquids get trapped in flammable materials like rags and towels, there is a chance for spontaneous combustion.
5. Ductwork and Exhaust Woods
The purpose of an exhaust is to get rid of extra smoke, grease, oils, gas, and odors. When poorly maintained, there’s a possibility that it can turn into a minor fire. When the exhaust wood gets hot, some grease and oils that accumulate can be in danger of igniting a fire.
6. Poorly Maintained Kitchen Equipment
One of the most significant pieces of equipment in your kitchen is your cooking equipment. Dirty and defective equipment has a residue build-up from greases and oils that can ignite.
7. Gas Leaks
One of the most devastating causes of commercial kitchen fires is gas leaks. This incident happens when the equipment can no longer support gas flow and leaves flammable gas in the air.
8. Faulty Heating System
The heating equipment in your office or warehouse, such as furnaces, boilers, and radiators can also pose significant fire hazards.
9. Smoking Materials
Cigarettes, lighted cigars, and other smoking materials can also start fires in commercial areas when not disposed of properly. That is why it’s not recommended to smoke inside the kitchen, as most kitchen fires could start near the trash cans.
10. Intentional
Arson falls in this category. Intentional fires are responsible for the large percentage of commercial fire damage. This can result in significant fire damage to a company.
Tips to Prevent Commercial Kitchen Fires
To avoid potential kitchen fires on your businesses. Here are some tips to prevent commercial fires.
Clean grease and oil frequently.
Never throw water in the grease fire.
Keep flammable materials away from the flame.
Always clean and wash the rag and towels after use.
Make sure to check the wirings, cords, and sockets in the kitchen.
Regularly inspect the equipment inside the kitchen.
Maintain and clean the electrical and cooking equipment regularly.
Unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
Install a smoke detector near the kitchen but not inside.
Ensure that the smoke alarm and sprinkler system are working.
Install an extra fire extinguisher.
Never use metal items in the microwave oven.
Always clean the ductwork and exhaust woods.
Minimize the usage of grease.
Never leave cooking unattended.
Inform employees about the guidelines of fire safety.
Let the employees dress appropriately inside the kitchen.
Before using the cooking and electrical equipment, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions.
Install a remote power shutdown system in case of a sudden fire incident.
Properly installed and decreased the ventilation system inside the kitchen.
Train employees on the proper way to use fire safety gear and handle kitchen fires.
Always maintain a safe environment.
Secure the kitchen before closing.
Always have an escape plan.
In case of a fire incident and need a fire damage clean-up, call a professional for help.
For Commercial Fire Damage Restoration Emergency, Call Professionals.
Building a business is never easy, even if it's a restaurant or a market. Fire can always find ways to destroy your structures. But, without the proper safety guidelines and prevention, possible fire damage might occur.
If a fire hits your business, call 911, immediately leave the area and hire a restoration company like Superior Restoration for cleanup.
We, at Superior Restoration, offer quality fire damage cleanup and restoration services. We have highly trained technicians with high-quality equipment that can clean and restore your business to its pre-loss condition. We also offer 24/7 emergency fire and water damage services. Call our office today.
