Deep-fried tempura flakes are a key ingredient sprinkled on sushi rolls for crunch. Known as agedama or tenkasu, Japanese for “tempura dregs,” they have been linked to a series of restaurant fires in multiple states.
Kara Nelson, a fire investigator in Madison, Wisconsin, worked with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to pinpoint the cause of the blazes which were caused by spontaneous combustion.
(more…)Restaurant fires are often kitchen exhaust system fires. It’s easy to look at that big hood and hear that fan and think that everything dangerous is being blown straight up and away, but that simply is not the case. The kitchen exhaust system comprises the hood, filters, plenum, fans and what may be a labyrinth of horizontal and vertical ductwork – and the parts that you can see are likely only a small portion of the whole. (more…)
For each year from 2011 to 2013, an estimated 5,600 restaurant fires were reported to fire departments in the United States, resulting in no fewer than five deaths, 100 injuries, and $116 million in property damage. Of those 5,600 fires, 64% involved cooking and grease played a factor in nearly half of those incidents (Source: U.S. Fire Administration). (more…)
In recent years, there have been an increased number of states that have enacted laws for prohibiting or restricting smoking at worksites, restaurants and bars. Before 2004, there were only two states with complete smoking bans at worksites, restaurants and bars. With these restrictions in place, proper disposal of spent smoking materials, the correct location of designated smoking areas and effective housekeeping controls become very important because it limits ignition sources and reduces the ability of a fire to spread.
Regardless of whether or not your establishment allows smoking, the following measures should be taken to decrease the likelihood of a fire and/or in the event of a fire, reduce the possibility of it spreading. (more…)
Fire safety is intended to reduce destruction caused by fire. This includes measures taken to prevent fires as well as practices to limit the effects of a fire after it starts.
Use these 9 tips to evaluate and prepare: (more…)
