Food Truck Fire Safety Guidelines

Fire Department Resources

Food truck with patron at night

Food Trucks and Trailers Fire Safety Guidelines

Official Standards - Form Updated March 29, 2025

LPG Containers

  • All containers shall be approved for LPG and their application. (NFPA 58: 6.26.3)
  • The LP-Gas supply system, including the containers, shall be installed either on the outside of the vehicle or in a recess or cabinet vapor-tight to the inside of the vehicle but accessible from and vented to the outside. (NFPA 58: 6.26.3.3)
  • Vents from vapor-tight cabinets shall be near the top and bottom of the enclosure and 3ft horizontally away from any opening into the vehicle below the level of the vents. (NFPA 58: 6.26.3.3)
  • Containers shall be mounted securely on the vehicle or within the enclosing recess or cabinet. (NFPA 58: 6.26.3.4)
  • Container fasteners shall be designed and constructed to withstand four times the weight of the container filled with fuel. (NFPA 58: 6.26.3.4(B))
  • Cylinders shall have permanent protection for cylinder valves and connections. (NFPA 58: 6.26.3.4(G))
  • Cylinder weather protection shall be provided. (NFPA 58: 6.26.3.4(H))
  • Containers and Cylinders shall not be installed, transported or stored inside the vehicle. (NFPA 58: 6.26.3.2)

Cooking, Hoods & Suppression

  • A Type I hood shall be installed at or above all commercial cooking appliances that produce grease vapors. (IFC 607)
  • Each required Type I hood shall be equipped with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system. (IFC 607 & 904.13)
  • The system shall be serviced every 6 months and have a current State Fire Marshal's tag. (IFC 904.12.5)
  • Cooking equipment shall not be operated while the fire-extinguishing system or exhaust system is nonoperational or impaired. (IFC 904.1)

Fire Extinguishers

  • A minimum of one 2:A-10:BC shall be provided in all vehicles. (IFC 906)
  • A Class K fire extinguisher shall be provided for cooking appliance(s) that involve solid fuel or vegetable or animal oils and fats. (IFC 906.4)
  • Portable fire extinguishers shall be located in conspicuous locations where they will be readily accessible and immediately available for use. (IFC 906.5)

Generators

  • Generators shall be used in a manner that presents no hazard to the public or the occupants and maintains a safe distance from the vehicle for use. (IFC 313 & IFC 1204)
  • Generators shall NOT be re-fueled during an event or when the public is present. Only to be fueled at motor vehicle fueling stations or on property owned, leased or rented by the food truck vendor. (IFC 313 & IFC 1204)

Food Truck Training Manual

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