Understanding The Consequences Of Restaurant Fire Damage
Kitchens are often the prime culprits behind fires. Given the amount of equipment within them, and their endless activity, this comes as no surprise. The majority of commercial fires reported each year are actually restaurant fires. Luckily, restaurant fires are not often fatal, but they are always destructive. A restaurant fire could potentially put a restaurant out of business – either temporarily or, if the damage to both property and finances are extensive, permanently. Here, we list out the consequences of restaurant fire damage.
What Causes Restaurant Fires?
Kitchens are driven by electricity and gas, both of which are unfortunately compounding elements when it comes to fire. Electrical fires are dangerous on their own, but when combined with gas, they are liable to cause explosions on large scales. Fire damage can also be exacerbated as kitchens are full of grease traps and other elements, such as clutter. The presence of these items can also cause fire to last longer.
Given the chaotic nature of kitchens, some of the most common causes of fires in restaurants are accidental, such as stray clothing or hair coming into contact with open fires. The crowding and confusion in kitchen areas can add to the chaos. This can be mitigated by ensuring that employees are trained on what to do should a fire occur.
Consequences of Restaurant Fire
Food stored in the restaurant may be eaten up by the fire, but that is not the only way that fire can damage food items. Smoke and soot infiltration can also damage food items, which is why it is recommended that all food items in kitchens be thrown out after a fire, even if they do not contain any visible damage. Kitchen equipment may also be destroyed or damaged by a fire.
What is important to note about fire damage is that it extends beyond what is immediately visible. Smoke odor is extremely difficult to remove, while particles of soot can clog air filters for a prolonged period of time. The process of cleaning up after a fire can take weeks if you want to do a thorough job. Much of the damage might also take place outside of the fire zone. For instance, if the fire occurred only in the kitchen, the restaurant will still be damaged by smoke and soot, which can get into curtains, upholstery or equipment. This is true even if the restaurant remained untouched by the actual flames.
Another consequence of fires is the damage to the business. Employees will be left out of work while the building is undergoing repair. This then results in lost wages, which can cause difficulties for individuals and their families.
Restaurants themselves can find difficulty recovering from their losses, particularly if they are single-entity. This is why it is important for restaurant managers to insure themselves against fires. Understanding how to file a fire claim will come in useful for such a situation. If your property has undergone fire damage, and you are having trouble with or have been denied a claim, contact us today for a free claim consultation. We are here to help you claim what is rightfully yours.