Food Truck Fire Safety
With warmer days ahead, we know you're eager to get your food truck back on the streets. While serving great food and drinks is the priority, ensuring you have the right fire safety equipment and procedures in place is just as important. National Extinguisher Service is here to help you stay prepared—keeping your employees, food truck, and customers safe all year long. Do you have the necessary extinguishers, fire suppression systems, training, and prevention practices in place?
COMMON FIRE HAZARDS IN FOOD TRUCKS
Commercial kitchens face many fire hazards that can cause severe damage and life-threatening accidents. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “Common causes of commercial kitchen fires in general include malfunctioning electrical systems, grease buildup, and improper use of cooking equipment.” Recognizing the fire hazards in your food truck and taking proactive steps to prevent emergencies helps protect yourself, your employees, and your customers.
Propane and Gas Leaks - Faulty connections and improper storage can pose significant risks.
Grease Buildup – Grease accumulation is a major cause of commercial fires.
Electrical Fires – Wiring issues, overloaded circuits, and malfunctioning generators can lead to electrical fires.
Open Flames and Heat Sources – Stoves, fryers, and grills in confined spaces increase the risk of fire.
Lack of Fire Suppression Equipment – The absence or malfunctioning of fire suppression equipment can worsen a fire emergency.
choosing the right fire extinguisher for your food truck
Fire extinguishers are essential for preventing and controlling fires in food trucks and are required for safety compliance. Most commonly required in food trucks are 5# ABC fire extinguishers, which provide general protection for electrical and combustible material fires, and Class K fire extinguishers, specifically designed for grease and cooking fires. Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial to keeping extinguishers in optimal working conditions. Perform monthly checks and schedule the required annual inspections to ensure your extinguishers are ready for an emergency and meet legal requirements.
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM FOR FOOD TRUCKS
Kitchen suppression systems provide an added layer of protection and are often required when using fryers, grills, or ovens that generate high heat and pose a significant fire risk. These systems are designed to detect heat and smoke from fires at their earliest stages, triggering an automatic response to suppress the flames. The system releases an extinguishing agent, typically wet chemical, which quickly cools the cooking surfaces and prevents the fire from spreading. This immediate action can significantly reduce both danger and damage to your food truck. Kitchen suppression systems must be serviced every 6 months by a qualified technician, with a tag displaying the service date, and the technician’s service report must be maintained on-site.
FIRE PREVENTION BEST PRACTICES FOR FOOD TRUCK owners
In addition to having the proper fire suppression equipment on hand and ready to use, food truck owners should implement fire prevention practices to reduce the risk of fires and protect their business, employees, and customers. Some key fire prevention best practices include:
Proper Ventilation and Grease Management – Regularly clean exhaust hoods, ducts, and filters to prevent grease buildup, which can restrict airflow and become a fire hazard. Additionally, clean walls, surfaces, ranges, fryers, broilers, grills, and convection ovens to reduce grease accumulation and fire risk.
Safe Propane Handling and Storage – Check connections for leaks and ensure tanks are properly secured.
Regular Equipment Inspections – Conduct routine checks to prevent electrical and gas-related issues, and inspect fire suppression equipment regularly.
Employee Fire Safety Training – Ensure employees are trained on proper extinguisher use.
Have an Evacuation Plan - Ensure all employees know emergency exit procedures in case of a fire.
HOW NES CAN HELP
With warmer days ahead, getting your food truck back on the streets is exciting—but fire safety should never take a back seat. Having the right extinguishers, fire suppression systems, and procedures in place ensures you can focus on serving great food while keeping your employees, truck, and customers safe. National Extinguisher Service is here to help you stay prepared and protected all year long, offering:
partner in protection
National Extinguisher Service is your trusted partner in protection, dedicated to ensuring that both your team and fire suppression equipment are always prepared. From providing top-quality equipment and services to offering hands-on extinguisher training and more, our team works with you to find the best solutions for your business needs. We deliver expertise, reliability, and support that helps keep your business safe and compliant.