Common Causes of Commercial Kitchen Fires and How a Hood Suppression System Can Prevent Them

AtoZ Fire • February 9, 2023

Commercial kitchens are at a higher risk of fires due to the daily use of hot cooking oils, grills, and other equipment that generate heat and flames. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking equipment is the leading cause of home and commercial kitchen fires. In this article, we will discuss the most common causes of kitchen fires and how a hood suppression system can prevent them.

Grease Build-Up


Grease is one of the leading causes of kitchen fires. It accumulates on the hood, filters, and ducts, creating a fire hazard. The heat generated by cooking equipment and the accumulation of grease can ignite a fire, causing extensive damage. A hood suppression system can prevent this by capturing grease, smoke, and heat generated by cooking equipment, preventing it from accumulating and igniting.



Overheated Cooking Oil


Cooking oil can ignite if it overheats. This can occur when oil is left on the stove unattended, or if the temperature is set too high. Overheated oil can ignite quickly and cause a kitchen fire. A hood suppression system can prevent this by monitoring the temperature of cooking equipment and automatically activating if a fire starts, quickly extinguishing the flames.

Electrical Malfunction


Electrical malfunctions, such as short circuits and overloaded outlets, can cause fires in commercial kitchens. These malfunctions can ignite appliances and equipment, causing a fire to spread rapidly. A hood suppression system can prevent this by automatically activating and extinguishing a fire before it has a chance to spread.



Improper Use of Cooking Equipment


Improper use of cooking equipment can also lead to kitchen fires. This includes leaving equipment on for extended periods of time, using damaged or frayed electrical cords, and using equipment in an inappropriate manner. A hood suppression system can prevent this by providing a fire-retardant barrier between cooking equipment and the hood, filters, and ducts, reducing the risk of fire.



How A Hood Suppression System Can Help


A hood suppression system can prevent these common causes of kitchen fires. The system is designed to capture and contain grease, smoke, and heat generated by cooking equipment. The hood, filters, and ducts are protected by a fire-retardant material that prevents the spread of fire. In the event of a fire, the hood suppression system automatically activates and extinguishes the fire, preventing it from spreading.



What You Can Do To Prevent Fires In Commercial Kitchens


Commercial kitchens are at a high risk of fires due to the daily use of hot cooking oils, grills, and other equipment that generate heat and flames. Grease build-up, overheated cooking oil, electrical malfunctions, and improper use of cooking equipment are the most common causes of kitchen fires. A hood suppression system can prevent these fires by capturing and containing grease, smoke, and heat, and automatically extinguishing fires.


Protect your commercial kitchen from the risk of fire with a hood suppression system from A to Z Fire. Our team of experts will assist you in choosing the right system for your business needs, and provide installation and maintenance services to ensure your system is functioning properly. Contact our Pinellas Sales Team at 727-865-1050 or our Hillsborough Sales Team at 813-350-0665 to learn more.

Pinellas Sales Team 727-865-1050 | Hillsborough Sales Team 813-350-0665

Click On The Social Icon Below To Share This Article

Ringing in the New Year Safely: Firework Safety Tips & a Thank You from A to Z Fire

By AtoZ Fire • December 31, 2025
As we say goodbye to another year and prepare to welcome the New Year, all of us at A to Z Fire want to take a moment to say thank you to our customers, partners, and community. Your continued trust and support allow us to do what we do best — helping protect lives, businesses, and property throughout the year.

A Season of Gratitude, Community, and Holiday Safety

By AtoZ Fire • December 23, 2025
As the year comes to a close and Christmas is right around the corner, all of us at A to Z Fire want to take a moment to say thank you.  Thank you to our customers, partners, and community for another incredible year. Your trust, support, and relationships mean everything to us, and we are truly grateful to serve you. From our family to yours — Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays .

🎄 December Holiday Safety & Cheer from A to Z Fire

By AtoZ Fire • December 3, 2025
As we wrap up the year and enter the season of lights, laughter, and togetherness — from Thanksgiving to Christmas and beyond — all of us at A to Z Fire want to say a heartfelt thank you. Thank you to our customers, our community, and everyone who trusts us to help keep their homes and businesses safe.  We’re especially excited this season because we’re expanding: our new Asheville location opens this month ! If you have a home or business up that way, we’re ready — with fire safety gear, professional service, and some great seasonal deals. That said, the holidays bring extra fire risks. Between holiday lights, candles, fireplaces, cozy cooking, and children at home — December is statistically one of the most dangerous months of the year for home fires. But a few smart precautions can go a long way. Here’s how to enjoy the holidays with warmth, cheer, and peace of mind 🎁

November Fire Safety Tips: Stay Safe This Thanksgiving Season

By AtoZ Fire • November 10, 2025
As the weather cools down and we gather with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving, now’s the perfect time to make sure safety stays at the top of your list. Between cooking, candles, and seasonal bonfires, November brings a higher risk of fire incidents — especially here in Florida as we move into the dry season. Over the past few weeks, Tampa Fire Rescue has been hard at work responding to several major fires , including blazes at a recycling facility and a Hyde Park nightclub. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported — but these incidents are a strong reminder that fire prevention matters year-round.  At A to Z Fire , we’re here to help keep your home, business, and gatherings safe this holiday season. Let’s look at a few important tips to make this Thanksgiving both warm and worry-free.

🎃 Halloween Fire Safety Tips: Keep the Scares Fun, Not Dangerous

By AtoZ Fire • October 22, 2025
Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year — costumes, decorations, flickering lights, and spooky fun. But behind all that excitement comes a real risk: October is one of the top months for home fires , according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). At A to Z Fire , we’re all about keeping your celebrations safe, festive, and fire-free. Before you light the jack-o’-lantern or plug in that fog machine, take a moment to review a few key Halloween fire safety tips .

Charge Into Fire Safety – Fire Prevention Week & A to Z Fire Quarterly Specials

By AtoZ Fire • October 1, 2025
Fire Prevention Week is almost here! This year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is promoting the theme: “Charge Into Fire Safety: 3 Steps” . Running October 6–12, 2025 , it’s a reminder that fire safety starts with smart choices, responsible charging, and proper recycling of batteries.  At A to Z Fire , we’re combining this year’s Fire Prevention Week message with our quarterly specials , seasonal safety tips, and new services to help you protect your home, business, and employees .

Why Emergency Exit Lights Are More Important Than Ever in Florida — And How to Make Sure Yours Work When You Need Them

By AtoZ Fire • September 15, 2025
Even though we’ve had a few cooler nights this past weekend, don’t let your guard down—hurricane season is far from over. Last October, Florida was hit with not one, but two hurricanes, proving that storms can strike late in the year. Power outages, flooding, and fire risks don’t follow a schedule, which is why emergency lighting and fire preparedness should always be top of mind.

Stay Fire Ready This Hurricane Season – Protect Your Home & Business

By AtoZ Fire • September 2, 2025
With hurricane season here, fire safety often gets overlooked — but it’s more important than ever. Storm damage, power surges, and flooding can all create unexpected fire hazards. Just in the last few weeks, our community has seen:  A 3-alarm scrapyard blaze in Tampa that took firefighters all night to contain. A semi-truck fire on I-4 after a driver suffered a medical emergency. A mobile home fire in Tampa that tragically left one person dead. Multiple business fires in St. Pete Beach and Clearwater , leaving owners struggling to recover. These events are sobering reminders that fires can happen anytime, anywhere. The best defense is being prepared.

🔥 Florida Just Made Fire Safety More Affordable — Here’s What It Means for You

By AtoZ Fire • August 7, 2025
New Permanent Sales Tax Exemptions Could Save You Big Starting August 1, 2025

Mid-Summer Safety: Fire Protection Tips During Florida’s Stormiest Season

By AtoZ Fire • July 17, 2025
July in Florida means blistering heat, sudden thunderstorms, and the very real threat of hurricanes. It’s a season where safety can’t be an afterthought — whether you're protecting your business, your team, or your property. At A to Z Fire, we’ve seen how summer weather brings unique fire safety risks. Here’s what to watch for as we hit the heart of hurricane season:
More Posts