From 2014 to 2023 the number of non-residential building fires increased by about 19%, and deaths from these fires increased by 70% over the same period, highlighting a rising workplace fire risk.

Commercial kitchens, breakrooms, and cafes are high-risk due to open flames, hot surfaces, grease buildup, and flammable cooking oils. Even small spills or unattended equipment can ignite quickly, spreading fire throughout the area. Leaders should enforce routine cleaning, proper grease disposal, and ensure Class K fire extinguishers are available and employees trained. 

Electrical closets, breaker panels, and server rooms contain high-voltage wiring and sensitive equipment. Overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or poor maintenance can trigger sparks or short circuits. Leaders should schedule regular inspections, prevent unauthorized access, and install smoke detectors and fire suppression systems for protection. 

Areas storing paper, cardboard, chemicals, solvents, or cleaning supplies are extremely combustible. Poor organization or mixing incompatible chemicals can accelerate fires. Leaders should follow proper storage codes, label all flammable items, and maintain clear exit routes. 

Workshops, assembly lines, and fabrication spaces often involve heat, sparks, welding, or flammable liquids. The combination of machinery, dust, and combustible materials increases fire risk. Leaders should implement strict hot-work permits, dust control, and accessible fire extinguishers for immediate response. 

These areas often house fuel-powered equipment, stored pallets, and large amounts of packaging material. Fires can start from vehicle exhaust, fuel leaks, or careless handling of combustible items. Leaders should maintain safe fueling procedures, designate no-smoking zones, and provide emergency fire suppression equipment nearby. 

Offices packed with computers, printers, copiers, and chargers create heat and strain electrical systems. Overloaded outlets, frayed cords, or malfunctioning electronics can ignite fires. Leaders should enforce safe electrical practices, use surge protectors, and maintain routine equipment inspections. 

Garages and mechanical rooms store vehicles, fuels, HVAC units, and other flammable liquids. Poor ventilation, electrical faults, and vehicle maintenance accidents can create fire hazards. Leaders should provide proper signage, maintain fire suppression systems, and enforce restricted access to high-risk equipment. 

Trash chutes, dumpsters, and recycling stations often collect paper, cardboard, and combustible liquids. Sparks, improperly discarded cigarettes, or chemical reactions can ignite these materials. Leaders should ensure regular emptying, clear labeling of hazardous waste, and safe disposal procedures. 

This is the most common multipurpose extinguisher for ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and energized electrical equipment. It’s a staple in offices, warehouses, and retail spaces because it can address a wide range of fire types safely and quickly.

Statistic (2025): ABC extinguishers account for about 70% of all portable units in use, making them the most widely deployed fire extinguisher type. 

Action: Ensure your facility has ABC extinguishers placed every 75-100 feet in general workspace areas and that staff are trained annually in their standard use (PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep). 

CO₂ extinguishers are ideal for fires involving flammable liquids and electrical equipment because they displace oxygen without leaving damaging residue. They’re especially valuable near server rooms, control panels, and labs.

Statistic (2025): CO₂ units are a preferred choice for electrical risks and sensitive equipment, growing in deployment where digital infrastructure is critical. 

Action: Install CO₂ extinguishers near electrical and tech-heavy workspaces and provide focused hands-on training on safe use in confined spaces (avoid use without ventilation). 

Specifically designed for commercial kitchens, wet chemical extinguishers cool burning cooking oils/fats and create a soapy seal that prevents re-ignition.

Statistic (2025): Wet chemical units remain required by most safety codes in food service facilities due to their superior performance in kitchen fire scenarios.

Action: In kitchens or cafeterias, mount Class K extinguishers near deep fryers and cooking lines; conduct annual kitchen fire drills that include safe extinguisher use. 

For fires involving combustible metals like magnesium or lithium, dry powder extinguishers smother flames by isolating the fuel from oxygen — essential in fabrication, labs, or certain workshops.

Statistic (2025): While niche, specialized dry powder extinguishers are essential in industrial settings where metal powders or shavings are present.

Action: In metalworking or industrial shops, identify hazards and stock appropriate Class D extinguishers; provide targeted training for team members on their correct deployment. 

Sprinklers detect heat and discharge water to control or extinguish fires in their early stages — often before firefighters arrive. Properly designed and maintained sprinkler systems alone control over 99% of fires that are large enough to activate them.

Action: Work with a certified fire protection engineer to verify that your sprinkler design meets occupancy and hazard class requirements, and institute regular maintenance and inspection per NFPA 25 standards. 

Smoke and heat detectors provide early warning, giving occupants time to evacuate and first responders time to act. Modern business alarm systems integrate with central monitoring and can alert safety teams instantly.

Statistic (2025): The fire alarm and detection market in the U.S. was estimated at over $11.6 B in 2025, driven by demand for reliable early notification systems.

Action: Install integrated smoke detectors throughout business premises, test them monthly, replace sensors per manufacturer life-cycles, and connect alarms to a central monitored service. 

Fire blankets can smother small fires or wrap around a person whose clothing is aflame; they’re especially useful in kitchen or lab environments.

Statistic (2025): Fire blankets show strong consumer and commercial interest as an adjunct safety tool, evidenced by high sales volumes alongside extinguishers and detectors in 2025.

Action: Keep fire blankets in high-risk zones like kitchens and chemical prep areas and train staff on how to deploy them safely without risk of injury. 

Clear, functioning exit signage and emergency lighting are critical for evacuation when smoke reduces visibility or power fails.

Action: Test exit signs monthly, replace bulbs and backup batteries annually, and ensure all exit paths are unobstructed and familiar to team members.