Preventing Grease Fires in Your Commercial Kitchen

Grease fires pose a huge threat to commercial kitchens, potentially causing devastating damage and putting lives at risk. As experts in kitchen exhaust cleaning and fire prevention, Icon Fire Prevention is focused on helping restaurant owners and managers maintain safe, efficient kitchen environments. Let’s review  the causes of grease fires, prevention strategies, and best practices for keeping your Los Angeles commercial kitchen safe..

Understanding Grease Fires in Commercial Kitchens

Grease fires occur when cooking oils become overheated and ignite. These fires can start quickly and spread rapidly, making them particularly dangerous in busy commercial kitchens. Unlike other types of fires, grease fires cannot be extinguished with water, which can cause the burning oil to splatter and spread the flames.

Studies have found that up to 5 million fires happen in kitchens each year, with grease fires being among the most hazardous. The risk is especially high in commercial settings where large volumes of oil are used and kitchen equipment operates at high temperatures for extended periods. Between 2010 and 2014, an average of 7,410 fires occurred in restaurants annually. Whether you operate a “mom and pop” kitchen, a fast food restaurant, or a high-end dining establishment, preventing grease fires is an absolute must for the safety of your staff and customers.

Common Causes of Grease Fires

Let’s review how grease fires get started and the science behind cooking and grease:

• Overheated cooking oils: One of the primary causes of grease fires is overheated cooking oils. When oils are heated beyond their smoke point, they can ignite rapidly. Different oils have varying smoke points, with extra-virgin olive oil starting to smoke around 350°F and peanut oil reaching up to 450°F. Once oils begin to smoke, they can catch fire in less than 30 seconds. To mitigate this risk, we recommend you use oils with higher smoke points and to monitor cooking temperatures closely.
  
• Unattended cooking equipment: Leaving cooking equipment unattended poses a major fire hazard in commercial kitchens. In fact, unattended equipment is the leading factor in 37% of nonconfined cooking fires in residential buildings. Surveys indicate that 72% of respondents have left the stove unattended while cooking, and 50% have forgotten to turn off the stovetop after use. To prevent these incidents in your Los Angeles commercial kitchen or restaurant, constant supervision is a must, along with the use of timers to remind staff when food is cooking.
  
• Inadequate cleaning of exhaust systems and hoods: Inadequate cleaning of exhaust systems and hoods can create a substantial fire risk due to grease buildup. Regular professional cleaning is a non-negotiable requirement for removing accumulated grease from these areas, as grease can collect in hard-to-reach spots, forming hidden hazards. Establishing and adhering to a rigorous cleaning schedule not only promotes safety but also enhances the overall efficiency of kitchen operations. At Icon Fire Prevention, we can help you remember to schedule your service and cleaning. One of the ways we help our clients is by affixing a tag to your cleaned equipment: this tag shows the last date of service and the next scheduled date of service.
  
• Improper disposal of used cooking oil: Improper disposal of used cooking oil can lead to dangerous situations in restaurants and commercial kitchens. Used oil should always be stored in appropriate containers away from heat sources to prevent ignition. Following proper disposal methods is also essential if you wish to avoid oil accumulation that can create fire hazards. Train your staff regularly on safe grease handling and disposal practices.
  
• Faulty or poorly maintained kitchen appliances can easily spark grease fires. It’s super important to regularly check and maintain all your kitchen equipment. Things like frayed cords, bad wiring, or wonky temperature controls can cause overheating and even lead to a fire. If you set up a routine maintenance schedule, you can catch and fix these issues before they turn into serious problems. Keeping an eye on your appliances helps keep your kitchen safe!

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance for Commercial Kitchens in Los Angeles and Southern California.

One of the most effective ways to prevent grease fires is through regular cleaning and maintenance of your kitchen exhaust system. Not only does this help keep your kitchen safe, but it also ensures that your cooking environment remains efficient and pleasant.

At Icon Fire Prevention, we specialize in thorough cleaning of hood systems, removing accumulated grease and oil that can fuel fires.

Key cleaning areas include:

• Hood filters
• Exhaust ducts
• Fans and blowers
• Grease traps

Implement a cleaning schedule based on your kitchen’s usage. High-volume kitchens may require monthly cleanings, while others might need quarterly service.

Proper Cooking Practices

Train your kitchen staff on safe cooking practices to minimize the risk of grease fires:

• Never leave cooking equipment unattended
• Use appropriate cooking temperatures
• Avoid overheating oils
• Keep flammable materials away from heat sources
• Use splash guards to prevent oil splatters

Install and Maintain Fire Suppression Systems

Think of a fire suppression system as your kitchen’s personal firefighter. It’s always on duty, ready to spring into action if a grease fire breaks out. Fire suppression systems use special chemicals that are great at putting out grease fires, and they can even shut off the gas or electricity to your cooking equipment. Having one of these systems installed and keeping it in tip-top shape is very important, but it’s equally important to schedule your fire suppression system testing service.

Proper Grease Disposal Help Prevent Restaurant Kitchen Fires

If you are committed to preventing kitchen fires, implement a safe system for disposing of used cooking oil:

• Use designated grease receptacles
• Allow oil to cool before disposal
• Contract with a professional grease removal service
• Staff Training

What to Do If a Grease Fire Occurs in Your Los Angeles Commercial Kitchen

Despite prevention efforts, unfortunately fires may still occur. Ensure your staff knows how to respond in the unfortunate event of a grease fire:

• Turn off the heat source if possible
• Do not use water to extinguish the fire
• Use a Class K fire extinguisher designed for kitchen fires
• If safe to do so, smother small fires with a metal lid or baking soda
• Evacuate the area if the fire is uncontrollable
• Call emergency services immediately

Professional Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Services: Your Partner in Grease Fire Prevention

While daily cleaning is a must, professional deep cleaning services play an important role in fire prevention. Icon Fire Prevention offers comprehensive Los Angeles kitchen exhaust cleaning services that go well beyond surface-level cleaning.

Our team uses specialized equipment and techniques to:

• Remove stubborn grease buildup
• Clean hard-to-reach areas in ductwork
• Inspect systems for potential fire hazards
• Ensure compliance with local fire codes and regulations

Regular professional cleaning not only reduces fire risk but also improves kitchen ventilation, enhances air quality, and extends the life of your exhaust system.

The Cost of Prevention vs. The Cost of Fire Damage

Investing in fire prevention measures may seem costly, but it pales in comparison to the potential losses from a kitchen fire. Consider these statistics:

• The average cost of a restaurant fire is $23,000
• 43% of restaurant fires involve cooking equipment
• Fire-related injuries in commercial kitchens cost an estimated $12.3 million annually
• By prioritizing grease fire prevention, you’re not just protecting your property and employees – you’re safeguarding your business’s future.

Staying compliant with local fire codes is not just a legal requirement; it’s an important way to prevent grease fires in your commercial kitchen. Regular inspections by fire marshals can identify potential hazards before they become serious problems. Work with professionals like Icon Fire Prevention to ensure your kitchen meets or exceeds all relevant safety standards. With the right practices in place, you can cook with confidence, knowing you’ve taken all possible steps to protect your business, your employees, and your customers from the dangers of commercial kitchen grease fires. Contact us today to request a quote or learn more about grease fire prevention.