Fire in the Kitchen: Are You Covered?

The heart of your restaurant—the kitchen—is also its greatest risk. Open flames, hot oil, grease build-up, and electrical equipment make restaurant fires both common and catastrophic. Even a small fire can cause tens of thousands in damage, lost income, and health department closures. The good news? The right insurance can keep a bad day from turning into a business-ending event.

1. What Policies Cover Fire Damage?

The first line of defense is your Commercial Property Insurance. It covers:

• Structural damage to your building (if owned)

• Kitchen equipment, inventory, and furnishings

• Smoke and water damage

• Cleanup and debris removal

If you're leasing your space, this policy still protects everything you own inside the building.

2. Do You Have Business Interruption Coverage?

If fire damage forces you to shut down for days or weeks, you’ll lose revenue—but your bills won’t stop. Business Interruption Insurance (often bundled in a BOP) can cover:

• Lost income

• Ongoing expenses like rent, utilities, and loan payments

• Employee wages

• Temporary relocation costs

Without it, your restaurant could go under while you’re waiting for repairs.

3. Fire Prevention Measures Insurers Look For

To get the best rates and avoid denied claims, insurers expect you to take fire prevention seriously. This includes:

• Hood & duct cleaning: Regular professional cleaning to prevent grease fires

• Fire suppression system: Must be up to code and inspected semi-annually

• Class K extinguishers: Specifically rated for kitchen fires

• Employee training: Staff should know how to operate suppression systems and respond quickly

Bonus Tip: Keep all inspection logs handy—insurers often request them during fire claims.

4. What’s NOT Covered?

Insurance may not cover fire damage if it's proven that:

• Your suppression system was out of date

• You failed to perform required cleanings

• The fire resulted from illegal activity or gross negligence

That’s why risk management is just as important as your coverage.

Conclusion / CTA
Restaurant fires are devastating—but they don’t have to be the end. With the right coverage and preventive steps, you can rebuild stronger and faster. Let Beyond Your Insurance review your policy and make sure your kitchen is protected before the flames ever start.