Top 5 Fire Code Violations That Shut Down Restaurants – And How to Avoid Them

Top 5 Fire Code Violations That Shut Down Restaurants – And How to Avoid Them

Running a successful restaurant means more than just serving great food—it also means staying on top of safety and compliance. One of the most common reasons restaurants get shut down is violating fire safety codes, many of which are entirely preventable with the right maintenance and planning. In this post, we’ll break down the top 5 fire code violations that can lead to restaurant closures and how to avoid them—especially with professional help from services like commercial kitchen hood cleaning and NFPA-96 compliance checks.

1. Grease Buildup in Exhaust Hoods and Ducts

One of the most dangerous—and most common—fire code violations in restaurants is excessive grease buildup inside kitchen exhaust systems. Over time, grease accumulates in hoods, filters, ducts, and rooftop fans. Without regular cleaning, these areas become serious fire hazards.

NFPA-96 fire code requires routine professional hood cleaning based on kitchen usage. For high-volume cooking, this can mean monthly cleanings. Ignoring this not only puts your business at risk but can result in failed inspections and potential shutdowns.

How to avoid it:
Schedule regular commercial kitchen hood cleaning services with a certified provider like DRS Hoods, who ensures your system is grease-free and fully compliant.

2. Missing or Non-Functioning Fire Suppression Systems

Your restaurant’s fire suppression system is critical to extinguishing grease fires quickly. However, if the system is not maintained or has expired certifications, it’s a clear violation of fire codes—and a liability.

In many municipalities, systems must be inspected every 6 months by a licensed technician. Missing inspection tags, leaks, or outdated components are red flags to inspectors.

How to avoid it:
Keep your suppression system inspected, tested, and tagged on time. Document all maintenance and pair it with your hood cleaning schedule.

3. Blocked or Improperly Marked Fire Exits

Emergency exits must be accessible and clearly marked at all times. Blocked fire exits, burned-out exit signs, or improperly lit paths are serious violations that can result in fines—or immediate closure in severe cases.

These issues are often overlooked during day-to-day operations but are strictly enforced during inspections.

How to avoid it:
Regularly check that all exit signs are illuminated, exits are clear of equipment or storage, and that staff are trained on emergency routes.

4. Faulty Electrical Wiring or Overloaded Circuits

Restaurants rely on a lot of power. But exposed wiring, overloaded outlets, or unapproved DIY electrical work are major fire risks and direct violations of both fire and building codes.

Even if your kitchen is clean, faulty wiring behind walls or in outlets can trigger fire marshal shutdowns or costly repairs.

How to avoid it:
Schedule regular inspections with a licensed electrician, especially when installing or replacing kitchen equipment. Don’t overload power strips or circuits.

5. Improper Storage of Flammable Materials

Restaurants often use cleaning agents, cooking oils, and paper goods—all of which are highly flammable. Storing these near heat sources, fryers, or in unapproved containers can result in immediate violations.

How to avoid it:
Store flammable materials in fire-rated cabinets, away from heat and flame sources. Label everything clearly and train staff on proper handling.

✅ Stay Open and Safe with Preventative Maintenance

Avoiding these violations isn’t just about passing inspections—it’s about protecting your team, your customers, and your business investment. Fire code compliance is a year-round responsibility.

At DRS Hoods, we specialize in helping restaurant owners stay ahead of fire risks with:

• NFPA-96 compliant kitchen hood cleaning

• Grease filter maintenance

• 24/7 emergency cleaning services

• Before/after service reports for inspections

Don’t wait until a violation shuts you down.
Call DRS Hoods at (386) 225-5915 to schedule your next cleaning or fire safety assessment today.