Commercial Building Inspector B2Public Safety and Special ConstructionMedium
A building inspector is evaluating the fire protection system for a new Group A-2 assembly occupancy (restaurant) with an occupant load of 150. The restaurant has a kitchen with commercial cooking equipment. Which of the following statements regarding the fire suppression system for the kitchen is most accurate?
- APortable fire extinguishers rated for grease fires are the only suppression required.
- BA Type I hood with an automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with NFPA 96 is required.
- CA manual fire alarm system is sufficient for the kitchen area.
- DAn automatic sprinkler system is required only if the kitchen area exceeds 1,000 square feet.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. A Type I hood with an automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with NFPA 96 is required.
Commercial cooking operations that produce grease-laden vapors require a Type I hood and an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system installed in accordance with NFPA 96, regardless of the kitchen's size or the overall building's sprinkler status.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While portable extinguishers are required, they are supplementary and do not replace the need for an automatic suppression system for commercial cooking equipment.
- C. A manual fire alarm system does not provide active suppression for cooking equipment fires.
- D. The requirement for an automatic fire-extinguishing system in commercial kitchens is based on the cooking equipment, not the kitchen's square footage, per IBC 904.1.1 and 904.3.
Commercial Cooking Fire Suppression
Specific fire suppression requirements for commercial cooking equipment that generates grease-laden vapors, typically involving a Type I hood and an automatic extinguishing system.
- Mandated for commercial cooking operations.
- Requires a Type I hood.
- Utilizes an automatic fire-extinguishing system (e.g., wet chemical).
- Must comply with NFPA 96.
Memory trick: Grease fires need special care, not just a simple prayer.