In the fast-paced world of hospitality, fire safety might be the last thing on your mind, until it’s too late.
In the fast-paced world of hospitality, fire safety might be the last thing on your mind, until it’s too late.
From busy commercial kitchens to packed dining areas, hospitality venues face bigger fire risks than many other businesses. Whether you run a café in Whangārei, a restaurant in Auckland, or a bar in Kerikeri, fire safety compliance is critical to protecting your staff, customers, and livelihood.
Here’s what every hospitality business in Auckland and Northland needs to know.
Why Fire Safety Matters in Hospitality
The hospitality environment brings together open flames, hot oil, electrical equipment, and high foot traffic – a recipe for risk if fire protection systems aren’t up to scratch.
In recent years, local councils and Fire and Emergency NZ have stepped up enforcement in hospitality spaces. It’s no longer enough to just have an extinguisher on the wall – it needs to be the right type, regularly serviced, and part of a complete fire protection plan.
The 5 Must-Haves for Hospitality Fire Safety
- Fire Extinguishers for Commercial Kitchens
Kitchen fires are one of the top causes of fire callouts in hospitality. Make sure your kitchen is equipped with:
- Class F extinguishers for deep fryers and cooking oils
- Dry powder or CO₂ extinguishers for electrical equipment
- Clearly signed locations and unobstructed access
Pro tip: Fire blankets are also essential near fryers or cooktops.
- Working Smoke Detection and Alarms
In a crowded bar or late-night venue, early warning is everything. Ensure:
- Smoke alarms are photoelectric and compliant
- They are installed and serviced by qualified professionals
- Your alarm system can be heard throughout the premises
- Emergency Lighting and Clear Exit Routes
In a power cut or smoke-filled room, patrons need to find exits—fast. Check that:
- Exit lights are illuminated and functional
- Emergency lighting is tested every 6 months
- Pathways to exits are always kept clear
- Up-to-Date Evacuation Procedures
Does your team know what to do in a fire? Hospitality venues must:
- Have a written evacuation scheme (especially if 100+ people may be present)
- Train staff on evacuation roles and routes
- Conduct regular fire drills where applicable
- Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) and IQP Signoffs
If your hospitality business operates from a building with specified systems (sprinklers, alarms, ventilation systems/extraction fans, etc.), you need:
- A current BWOF
- Annual checks from an Independent Qualified Person (IQP)
- Records of all maintenance and inspections
Fire Safety Fines and Liability: Don’t Get Caught Out
Non-compliance isn’t just dangerous, it’s costly too. Councils in both Auckland and Northland regularly issue fines for:
- Missing or expired fire extinguishers
- Outdated BWOFs
- Blocked exits or poor signage
- Incomplete fire safety documentation
Worse still, if your business suffers a fire and isn’t compliant, your insurance claim could be denied, and legal liability could follow.
Let Fireco Take the Heat Off You
At Fireco, we’ve helped cafés, restaurants, takeaways, and bars across Auckland and Northland stay fire safe and fully compliant. Our services include:
- Supplying and servicing fire extinguishers
- IQP inspections and BWOF documentation
- Alarm and evacuation system checks
- Practical advice tailored to your premises
Whether you’re running a busy espresso bar or a bustling pub, we make fire safety simple and stress-free—so you can focus on your customers.
Need a fire safety check for your hospitality business?
Get in touch with the Fireco team today. Serving Auckland and Northland with expert fire protection.
