Don’t Let Your Kitchen Extract System Become a Headline Fire
Linking to the recent BBC News article on a commercial kitchen fire, it’s clear that devastating events keep happening across the UK when kitchen extract systems fail. Grease accumulation, poorly maintained fans and electrical equipment, and a lack of regular TR19-compliant cleaning all contribute to fire risk in ways many operators underestimate.
While we don’t know the specifics of this recent news story and it appears to be an unfortunate fault with the fan.
If you are responsible for a commercial kitchen extract system. Whether a fire starts in the canopy, the fan unit, or in the ductwork itself, the fact remains: once grease ignites, the extraction system can act like a chimney, spreading flame and smoke far beyond the kitchen. Which is why it’s so important to have a regular cleaning maintenance programme scheduled to remove the build up of grease in the ductwork or the canopy or fan locations to minimise the spread and intensity of fire.
Why Grease Build-Up and Poor Maintenance Are Dangerous
Kitchen extract systems are designed to carry hot air, grease vapour and steam away from cooking equipment. But fat, oil and grease (FOG) don’t just disappear — they condense inside the canopy, risers, ductwork and fan housing, creating highly flammable deposits that feed a fire once it starts.
Left unattended:
- Grease becomes the fuel source for a fire that can spread in seconds.
- The ductwork becomes an unintended channel for flame and smoke to travel, endangering staff, customers, neighbouring businesses or residents.
- Fans and electrical components coated in grease are more prone to overheating, electrical faults and failure — further raising the risk of ignition.
The Crucial Role of TR19 Cleaning
TR19® is the industry-recognised standard for kitchen extract and ductwork cleaning in the UK. It lays out how often systems should be inspected and cleaned, and what levels of grease are acceptable before cleaning must take place.
A TR19-compliant regime:
- Uses professional inspection methods to measure grease build-up at key points.
- Ensures that cleaning goes beyond superficial wiping to remove grease from inside the ductwork, canopy, fan and risers.
- Includes detailed post-clean reporting, giving you proof of hygiene and safety for insurers and fire risk assessors.
Following TR19 standards not only reduces fire risk, but also helps maintain efficient airflow, prolongs equipment life, and supports compliance with fire safety legislation and insurance terms.
Fans and Electrical Systems Matter Too
Grease doesn’t only accumulate in rigid ductwork. It also builds up in the extract fan, motor housings and electrical enclosures, where heat and grease become a dangerous combination. Regular maintenance and testing of electrical components prevents:
- Overheating of motors and wiring.
- Short circuits caused by grease, dust and debris.
- Fan failures that can reduce extraction efficiency and create back-pressure.
A clean fan and well-maintained electrical system are as critical to fire prevention as clean ductwork.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Review the recent BBC article linked above and share it with your team. Use it as a reminder that fire risk from grease is real and ongoing.
- Arrange a TR19 assessment from a certified contractor to plan an appropriate cleaning frequency.
- Schedule regular maintenance for fans, motors and electrical systems as part of your preventative regime.
- Keep accurate records of all inspections, cleaning and repairs — these are invaluable for fire risk assessments and insurance compliance. BESCA