Top Fire Hazards in Commercial Kitchens and How to Control Them

Commercial kitchens are the beating heart of restaurants, cafés, hotels, and takeaways across Glasgow. But with busy staff, high heat, and a mix of electrical and gas equipment, they are also one of the most high-risk environments for fire. At Safe and Sound Fire Limited, we’ve been helping businesses stay safe for over 30 years, and we know the dangers kitchens face every day.

In this blog, we’ll highlight the most common fire hazards in commercial kitchens and explain how you can control them.

1. Grease and Fat Build-Up

Grease is highly flammable, and when it builds up in extractor fans, ducts, and hoods, it can spread fire rapidly. Even a small flame from a hob can ignite layers of grease that haven’t been cleaned properly.

Control measures:

• Regular deep cleaning of hoods, filters, and ductwork. 
• Routine inspections to check for grease build-up. 
• Staff training on safe cleaning procedures. 

2. Deep Fat Fryers

Deep fryers operate at extremely high temperatures, and oil fires can escalate quickly if not handled correctly. Using the wrong extinguisher type on an oil fire can make the situation far worse.

Control measures:

• Ensure fryers are never overfilled. 
• Keep Class F (wet chemical) fire extinguishers nearby. 
• Install an automatic fire suppression system for extra protection. 

3. Electrical Equipment

From microwaves to industrial ovens, commercial kitchens rely heavily on electrical equipment. Damaged cables, overloaded sockets, and faulty wiring are leading causes of kitchen fires.

Control measures:

• Schedule regular PAT testing of appliances. 
• Ensure sockets aren’t overloaded. 
• Replace damaged or worn electrical equipment immediately. 

4. Open Flames and Gas Appliances

Gas hobs, ovens, and grills provide essential cooking power, but they also bring the risk of leaks, flare-ups, and accidental ignition.

Control measures:

• Train staff on safe ignition and shut-down procedures. 
• Regularly check for gas leaks. 
• Install and maintain flame failure devices. 

5. Human Error

In high-pressure environments, mistakes happen—unattended cooking, poor housekeeping, or improper use of extinguishers can all lead to disaster.

Control measures:

• Ongoing fire safety training for all kitchen staff. 
• Clear signage for evacuation routes. 
• Regular fire drills, even during quieter hours. 

Protecting Your Business and Staff

Keeping your commercial kitchen safe isn’t just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about protecting your staff, customers, and livelihood. At Safe and Sound Fire Limited, we’ve been delivering expert fire safety solutions across Glasgow and the surrounding areas for more than 30 years. From fire extinguishers to full risk assessments and staff training, we help businesses stay compliant and, most importantly, safe.

📞 Call our team today on 0141 776 7763 to book a fire safety consultation for your kitchen.​