Choosing the Right Fire Extinguishers for Your Commercial Kitchen: What Every Owner Should Know

In a commercial kitchen, fire safety isn’t optional—it’s essential. With open flames, hot oils, and fast-paced cooking environments, the risk of fire is always present. That’s why portable fire extinguishers play a critical role in protecting your staff, property, and customers. But not just any extinguisher will do.

At Flue Steam, we specialize in outfitting commercial kitchens across Southern California with the right types of fire extinguishers, ensuring compliance with local codes and providing fast, effective fire suppression when it’s needed most. If you own or manage a restaurant, cafeteria, or food service facility, here’s what you need to know.

Not All Fire Extinguishers Are the Same

There are several different types of fire extinguishers, each designed for specific kinds of fires. In a commercial kitchen, having the wrong type of extinguisher can be just as dangerous as having none at all.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most relevant types:

• Class K: Specifically designed for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats. These extinguishers cool the flames and form a soapy layer to prevent reignition. Essential for deep fryers, griddles, and commercial ranges.
• Class ABC: Multipurpose extinguishers that can handle ordinary combustibles (A), flammable liquids (B), and electrical fires (C). These are useful in dining areas, storage rooms, and offices connected to your kitchen.
• Class CO₂: Effective for electrical fires. Often used in server rooms or areas with electrical panels near the kitchen.

Using the wrong extinguisher—for example, a water-based one on a grease fire—can make the situation worse. That’s why it’s crucial to get professional help choosing and placing the right extinguishers.

Fire Code Compliance: It’s Not Just About Safety—It’s the Law

Fire codes vary by city and county in Southern California, but most require that:

• Fire extinguishers are easily accessible and clearly marked
• Class K extinguishers are installed within 30 feet of cooking appliances
• All extinguishers are inspected and serviced annually by a licensed technician
• Staff are trained on proper use

Failure to comply can lead to fines, failed inspections, or even closure orders from the fire marshal. At Flue Steam, we not only supply and install fire extinguishers—we also provide certified maintenance and code-compliant inspections to keep your business protected and in good standing.

Strategic Placement Can Save Seconds—and Lives

Where you place your extinguishers is just as important as what type you buy. In an emergency, seconds matter. Our licensed technicians help you determine optimal locations based on your kitchen’s layout and fire risk zones, such as:

• Near deep fryers, grills, or open flames
• Along exit routes
• At entrances to food prep and storage areas
• Away from potential obstructions

We also provide guidance on clear signage and unobstructed access, which are both required under fire safety regulations.

Routine Service Ensures Your Extinguishers Work When It Counts

A fire extinguisher that hasn’t been serviced is a false sense of security. Extinguishers can lose pressure, become clogged, or corrode over time. That’s why annual service isn’t just recommended—it’s required.

At Flue Steam, we handle everything:

• Certified inspections
• Pressure checks
• Recharging
• Hydrostatic testing (as needed)
• Replacement of expired or damaged units

We’ll keep detailed records for your compliance reports and ensure every unit is ready to perform if disaster strikes.

Don’t Leave Fire Safety to Chance

Your commercial kitchen runs on precision and timing—your fire safety plan should too. With the right extinguishers, expert placement, and ongoing service from Flue Steam, you can protect your team, your investment, and your peace of mind.

Call 800-700-FLUE today to schedule a fire extinguisher consultation for your Southern California commercial kitchen. Let us help you stay safe, stay compliant, and stay prepared.