How to Pass a Fire Inspection: Commercial Kitchen Checklist
Prepare for your commercial kitchen fire inspection with this checklist. Know what inspectors look for and how to avoid common NFPA 96 violations.
Fire inspections are not random. Inspectors follow a systematic process based on NFPA 96 and your local fire code. If you know what they check, you can prepare. Here is what to expect and how to be ready.
What Fire Inspectors Check
During a commercial kitchen fire inspection, the inspector will typically examine:
Exhaust System
- Hood canopy interior for grease accumulation
- Grease filters — properly installed, correct type, clean condition
- Ductwork access panels — present, accessible, properly sealed
- Exhaust fan — operational, grease containment on roof
- Cleaning documentation — most recent report with date, contractor info, and areas cleaned
Fire Suppression System
- Current inspection tag (must be within 6 months)
- Nozzles properly aimed at cooking equipment
- Manual pull station accessible and clearly marked
- Fusible links clean and not painted over
- Gas shut-off valve connected and functional
Fire Extinguishers
- Class K extinguisher within 30 feet of cooking equipment
- Annual inspection tag current
- Monthly self-inspection log maintained
- Mounted at proper height, not blocked
General Kitchen Safety
- Clear exit paths — no storage blocking exits or aisles
- Electrical panels accessible (36-inch clearance)
- No extension cords used for permanent equipment
- Proper clearance between cooking equipment and combustible materials
Pre-Inspection Checklist
Use this checklist before your next fire inspection:
- ☐ Verify exhaust cleaning is current and documentation is on file
- ☐ Check fire suppression inspection tag — must be within 6 months
- ☐ Confirm Class K fire extinguisher is in place and current
- ☐ Clean grease filters or replace if damaged
- ☐ Check all ductwork access panels are in place
- ☐ Verify exhaust fan is running and grease cup on roof is not overflowing
- ☐ Clear all exit paths and ensure doors open freely
- ☐ Check that electrical panels have 36-inch clearance
- ☐ Remove any combustible storage near cooking equipment
- ☐ Test manual pull station (visually confirm — do not pull unless testing with fire company)
What Happens If You Fail
If violations are found, the inspector will typically:
- Issue a written notice of violation with a correction deadline
- Schedule a re-inspection (often within 30 days)
- For serious hazards, may require immediate correction or temporary shutdown
Repeat violations or imminent hazards can result in fines, permit suspension, or forced closure.
How We Help
Cleaning Pros Plus provides IKECA-certified exhaust system cleaning with full photo documentation. When your fire inspector asks for cleaning records, you will have a professional report with before-and-after photos, contractor certification, and detailed notes on system condition.
Inspection Coming Up?
Get your exhaust system cleaned and documented before the inspector arrives.
Contact Us →What Fire Inspectors Check Beyond Hoods
Fire inspectors look at more than just the hood interior. A thorough inspection covers grease filters — inspectors check that filters are properly installed, in good condition, and appropriate for your cooking type. Our Grease Filter Exchange service ensures you always have clean, properly rated filters when the inspector arrives. A hood cleaning certificate for fire inspector review should include filter condition as part of the documentation.
Inspectors also check rooftop grease conditions. Grease runoff on your roof is a fire hazard and a code violation. Our Rooftop Grease Containment (ContainGuard) system prevents grease accumulation on roof surfaces, and our GreaseLift service removes existing deposits before they become an inspection failure.
Exhaust fan performance is another inspection point. Inspectors may check that fans are operational, properly maintained, and providing adequate airflow. Our Fan Performance Management (FanCare) service includes performance testing that generates an exhaust fan performance report for fire inspector documentation. When your fire inspector sees that all four areas — hoods, filters, rooftop, and fans — are professionally maintained and documented, passing becomes straightforward.