WA State (IFC) Fire Code Requirements:

The Washington State Building Code Council implemented the 2018 International Fire Code, Section 319, in the state of Washington, effective 07/01/2020 - Chapter 51-54A WAC. This new state-wide code requires all mobile food units that produce grease laden vapors or smoke, or utilize LP-gas systems or CNG systems to comply with this section and to have a fire permit.

You need to contact your local fire marshal to request a mobile food unit fire permit inspection every 12-months.

BE SURE THEY GIVE YOU A COPY OF THE INSPECTION PERMIT OR THE NEW STATE STICKER! Many individual cities (see working list at bottom of this page) may charge a fee for a fire permit. Many fire jurisdictions do have a reciprocal agreement with a neighboring fire authority and reduce their fee if you have a fire permit dated within the past 12-months (you are not required to repeat the annual inspection.)

There is a regional permit inspection form designed by our state fire marshals and it can be found here: Regional Fire Marshal Inspection Checklist form. We suggest you train your staff using these fire safety basics, and watch the Pierce County fire inspection video here.

Here is the IFC Code:

319.1 Mobile food preparation vehicles that are equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors shall comply with this section.

319.2 Permit Required

319.3 Exhaust Hood: Cooking equipment that produces grease-laden vapors shall be provided with a kitchen exhaust hood in accordance with Section 607. (Section 607 indicates professional hood cleaning required every 6-months with professional tags posted by approved service provider, see tag example below.)

319.4 Fire Protection: shall be provided in accordance with Sections 319.4.1 and 319.4.2

319.4.1 Fire Protection for Cooking Equipment: Cooking equipment shall be protected by automatic fire extinguishing systems in accordance with Section 904.12 (Section 904.12 indicates service personnel providing maintenance or service must be certified by a govt. agency or other approved organization.)

319.4.2 Fire Extinguisher: Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with Section 906.4 (Section 906.4 indicates requirement for Class K extinguisher.)

319.5 Appliance Connection to Fuel Supply Piping. Gas cooking appliances shall be secured in place and connected to fuel-supply piping with an appliance connector complying with ANSI Z21.69/CSA 6.16. The connector installation shall be configured in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. Movement of appliances shall be limited by restraining devices installed in accordance with the connector and appliance manufacturers' instructions.

319.6 Cooking Oil Storage Containers: Cooking oil storage containers within mobile food preparation vehicles shall have a maximum aggregate volume not more than 120 gallons (454 L), and shall be stored in such a way as to not be toppled or damaged during transport.

319.7 Cooking Oil Storage Tanks: Cooking oil storage tanks within mobile food preparation vehicles shall comply with Sections 319.7.1 through 319.7.5.2

319.7.1 Metallic Storage Tanks: Metallic cooking oil storage tanks shall be listed in accordance with UL 80 or UL 142, and shall be installed in accordance with the tank manufacturer's instructions.

319.7.2 Nonmetallic Storage Tanks: Nonmetallic cooking oil storage tanks shall be installed in accordance with the tank manufacturer’s instructions and shall comply with both of the following:

1. Tanks shall be listed for use with cooking oil, including maximum temperature to which the tank will be exposed during use.

2. Tank capacity shall not exceed 200 gallons (757 L) per tank.

319.7.3 Cooking Oil Storage System Components: Metallic and nonmetallic cooking oil storage system components shall include, but are not limited to, piping, connections, fittings, valves, tubing, hose, pumps, vents and other related components used for the transfer of cooking oil.

319.7.4 Design Criteria: The design, fabrication and assembly of system components shall be suitable for the working pressures, temperatures and structural stresses to be encountered by the components.

319.7.5 Tank Venting: Normal and emergency venting shall be provided for cooking oil storage tanks.

319.7.5.1 Normal Vents: Normal vents shall be located above the maximum normal liquid line, and shall have a minimum effective area not smaller than the largest filling or withdrawal connection. Normal vents are not required to vent to the exterior.

319.7.5.2 Emergency Vents: Emergency relief vents shall be located above the maximum normal liquid line, and shall be in the form of a device or devices that will relieve excessive internal pressure caused by an exposure fire. For nonmetallic tanks, the emergency relief vent shall be allowed to be in the form of construction. Emergency vents are not required to discharge to the exterior.

319.8 LP-Gas Systems: Where LP-gas systems provide fuel for cooking appliances, such systems shall comply with Chapter 61 and Sections 319.8.1 through 319.8.5.

319.8.1 Maximum Aggregate Volume: The maximum aggregate capacity of LP-gas containers transported on the vehicle and used to fuel cooking appliances only shall not exceed 200 pounds (91 kg) propane capacity.

319.8.2 Protection of Container: LP-gas containers installed on the vehicle shall be securely mounted and restrained to prevent movement.

319.8.3 Gas Container Construction: LP-gas containers shall be manufactured in compliance with the requirements of NFPA 58.

319.8.4 Protection of System Piping: LP-gas system piping, including valves and fittings, shall be adequately protected to prevent tampering, impact damage, and damage from vibration.

319.8.5 LP-Gas Alarms: A listed LP-gas alarm shall be installed within the vehicle in the vicinity of LP-gas system components, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. ( The UL listing will need to meet 1484, which is the standard for RVs.) UL 1484 covers electrically operated gas detectors intended for installation in residential occupancies and recreational vehicles. It further states the requirements cover gas detectors intended to detect flammable gases such as propane and natural gas. The mobile food vending vehicles closely resemble recreational vehicles.

See example here: https://www.mtiindustries.com/product/70-series-flush-mount/

319.9 CNG Systems: Where CNG systems provide fuel for cooking appliances, such systems shall comply with Sections 319.9.1 through 319.9.4.

319.9.1 CNG Containers Supplying Only Cooking Fuel: CNG containers installed solely to provide fuel for cooking purposes shall be in accordance with Sections 319.9.1.1 through 319.9.1.3.

319.9.1.1 Maximum Aggregate Volume: The maximum aggregate capacity of CNG containers transported on the vehicle shall not exceed 1,300 pounds (590 kg) water capacity.

319.9.1.2 Protection of Container: CNG containers shall be security mounted and restrained to prevent movement. Containers shall not be installed in locations subject to a direct vehicle impact.

319.9.1.3 CNG Container Construction: CNG containers shall be an NGV-2 cylinder.

319.9.2 CNG Containers Supplying Transportation and Cooking Fuel: Where CNG containers and systems are used to supply fuel for cooking purposes in addition to being used for transportation fuel, the installation shall be in accordance with NFPA 52.

319.9.3 Protection of System Piping: CNG system piping, including valves and fittings, shall be adequately protected to prevent tampering, impact damage and damage from vibration.

319.9.4 Methane Alarms: A listed methane gas alarm shall be installed within the vehicle in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

319.10. Maintenance: Maintenance of systems on mobile food preparation vehicles shall be in accordance with Sections 319.10.1 through 319.10.3.

319.10.1 Exhaust System: The exhaust system, including hood, grease-removal devices, fans, ducts and other appurtenances, shall be inspected and cleaned in accordance with Section 607.3. (Section 607 indicates every 6-months.)

319.10.2 Fire Protection Systems and Devices: Fire protection systems and devices shall be maintained in accordance with Section 901.6.

319.10.3 Fuel Gas Systems: LP-gas containers installed on the vehicle and fuel-gas piping systems shall be inspected annually by an approved inspection agency or a company that is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation to requalify LP-gas cylinders, to ensure that system components are free from damage, suitable for the intended service and not subject to leaking. CNG containers shall be inspected every 3 years in a qualified service facility. CNG containers shall not be used past their expiration date as listed on the manufacturer's container label. Upon satisfactory inspection, the approved inspection agency shall affix a tag on the fuel gas system or within the vehicle indicating the name of the inspection agency and the date of satisfactory inspection.

Fire Extinguishers

Our fire code states you must have a Class K Extinguisher installed along egress path (If using deep fat fryer or solid fuels). A portable extinguisher is needed for combustibles and shall be provided along egress path of: Minimum 2A:10B:C for UL-300 system, 20B:C for generator use, and 2A:40B:C for LP-gas/propane.

Extinguishers are broken down into the following ratings:

• Class A: Ordinary Combustibles

• Class B: Flammable Liquids

• Class C: Energized Electrical Equipment

• Class D: Combustible Metals

• Class K: Cooking Media

  Fire Extinguisher Size Ratings

  You might come across a fire extinguisher labeled 4A:20B:C. The numbers indicate the size rating of each extinguishing agent. Here’s how it works:

  • The Class A size rating represents the water equivalency. Each number represents 1 ¼ gallons of water. For instance, 2A means the extinguisher is just as effective as 2 ½ gallons of water. 4A is equivalent to 5 gallons of water.

  • The Class B size rating indicates the square footage the extinguisher can cover. 20B means that as long as you sweep the nozzle side to side, there is enough extinguishing agent inside the canister to provide 20 square feet of coverage.

  • There is no size rating for Class C. After all, a Class C electrical fire is nothing more than a Class A or Class B fire with energized components requiring a non-conductive extinguishing medium. To effectively fight Class C fires, choose your extinguishers based on the Class A and Class B size ratings.

  • There is also no size rating for Class D fires. The effectiveness is detailed on the nameplate based on the specific combustible metal for which the extinguisher is recommended

New Fire Code 2024

IFC section 904 (regarding certification for design, installation and maintenance of fire suppression systems) will go into effect on July, 1 2024. Per 4.6.5 For mobile cooking operations – drawings must be kept on board of the exhaust system installation along with copies of the operating instructions and include the electrical schematics, made available upon request to the fire authority. If you do not have copies of this info you can get a copy from L & I by making a record request using the VIN# or do a search online for the manufacturer specs.

It is also stated in the new fire code (that will take effect March 2024) that a visual and audible alarm be installed on the exterior of the vehicle when the ansul system is triggered (Per IFC 904 and NFPA Chapter 11 (11.5.2). It will only apply to new or altered units with L & I plan approvals on or after that date. However local jurisdictions may require it to operate in their area and may not grandfather previously approved units.

The Horn & Strobe Assembly (the preferred unit by our local builders) is provided for use when visual and sound warnings are required at system actuation. The unit requires the use of a 4” square (10.16cm sq.) x 2 1/8” (5.5cm) deep back-box with 1⁄2” conduit entrance on the top of the box. Models: 21396—120 VAC, 19705—24 /12 VDC. Download an info sheet here.

We are seeing individual fire jurisdictions creating new fire codes that differ from other fire jurisdictions, and we’re seeing new fire permit fees and inspection requirements from individual jurisdictions, a patchwork of regulation making it harder for you all to know what is required of you.

Will the new code require the makeup fan to shut off automatically when the fire suppression system goes off? See code language L & I will reference here:

Our Fire Code Bills in the WA State Legislature 

The WA State Food Truck Association spent almost 4-years trying to establish one standardized fire code for all food trucks in WA, with one annual fire permit fee, and one annual fire inspection. We even put a bill in the state legislature for two years (2018 & 2019), but out of approximately 1,700 mobile food vendors statewide only 21 actively supported our bill by sending emails to legislators, despite our many requests.  Both state and local fire officials came to the legislature, in large part to protect their ability to individually charge fire permit fees and create new fire code at will, while food truck operators largely ignored the issue and our efforts. We even contacted 900+ non-members to try to build support, but at a time when only a handful of fire jurisdictions in WA were charging fire permit fees and inspecting trucks, the issue apparently seemed unimportant to most food truck operators. Predictably the bill failed both years, and as a result, we will not be able to convince the legislature to revisit this issue again any time soon.  

Today, exactly as we warned about in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, we're seeing individual fire jurisdictions creating new fire codes that differ from other fire jurisdictions, and we’re seeing new fire permit fees and inspection requirements from individual jurisdictions. 

Moving forward:  The biggest challenge facing the mobile food industry in WA isn’t bad government regulations, it's indifference and non-participation from food truck operators.  Simply put, until more food truck operators join the WSFTA and actively support our efforts, many problems will remain unresolved and new problems will emerge. 

How can you help?   1).  Maintain your WSFTA membership.  We need members to stick with us during good times and bad.  Unfortunately, some members only join or re-join when they need help and then they allow their membership to expire once their problems have been resolved. 

2).  Recruit some high-quality food trucks to join the WSFTA and support our work.  As our numbers grow, so does our ability to influence elected officials and protect the industry.

3). Get to know the three state legislators from your home district, so you’ll be able to reach-out to them for support during future legislative sessions. 

4).  When we send out “URGENT” emails asking you to email your elected officials regarding a specific issue or problem, please do so.  

Regional Fire Inspection checklist so that you are prepared.

This document is a regional fire inspection checklist for mobile food preparation vehicles with the intent of providing a standardized inspection that multiple fire jurisdictions recognize. This program does not omit local jurisdiction (city) requirements and their permitting processes. All mobile food preparation vehicle operators are required to contact each jurisdiction prior to operating within that jurisdiction. A growing list of agencies participating in inspection reciprocity can be found here (updated 04/2024).

Regarding Form Section #3: Per Renton fire, "a food truck owner could request the visual inspection be documented on their propane gas receipt when they have they’re tank filled – that the visual inspection was completed, along with the date completed. If another jurisdiction is willing to provide this inspection and take on that liability, we will accept their inspection report here in Renton as a part of the statewide reciprocal inspection program.”
OR 
Here is a list of other places that offer the visual LP gas container inspections that Renton will accept:

• Tractor Supply Company: Inspects all cylinders for certification date and condition before refilling

• AmeriGas: Performs a visual inspection before every delivery and service on a propane system

• Parker Gas: A certified propane dealer that can recertify propane cylinders

• Ace Hardware: Can recertify propane tanks in about 10 minutes

• Franger Gas Company, Inc. Can walk you through the process of recertifying your propane tank

• Northwest Propane: Performs tank inspections, leak checks, and pressure tests on gas piping

Tents, Tarps & Awnings (updated 2024):

Washington code: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=51-54A

All tents, tarps and awnings shall be made from material which is not flammable or is treated and maintained in a flame-retardant manner. Documentation of Certification is required. Covering of displays with non-approved tarps or plastics after business hours is approved. All non-approved tarps or plastic shall be removed prior to opening a building or business to the public: https://up.codes/viewer/washington/ifc-2015/chapter/31/tents-and-other-membrane-structures#3103 Tents and membrane structures having an area in excess of 400 square feet (37 m2) shall not be erected, operated or maintained for any purpose without first obtaining a permit and approval from the fire code official.

3103.8.6 Fire Break

An unobstructed fire break passageway or fire road not less than 12 feet (3658 mm) wide and free from guy ropes or other obstructions shall be maintained on all sides of all tents and membrane structures unless otherwise approved by the fire code official.

Additional permits are required for the following: Barbecues, Open Flame, Use of Flammable or Combustible Liquids, Propane Storage & Use, Temporary Membrane Structures, Tents & Canopies (over 400 sq. ft.), Hot Works, Fireworks and Pyrotechnical Special Effects Materials.

Per NFPA 96 2021 version, section 17.3 for Tents refers to NFPA 102 / Chapter 11.11 Tents / NFPA 701

11.11.2.1 - All tent fabric shall meet the flame propagation performance criteria contained in Test Method 2 of NFPA 701. (Test Method 2 applies to denser, multilayer fabrics, such as plastic films, lined curtains and vinyl-coated fabric. Test Method 2 typically requires larger samples to account for variations in the way heavier fabrics react to fire exposure.)

11.11.2.3 - One of the following shall serve as evidence that the tent fabric materials have the required flame propagation performance:

(1) The authority having jurisdiction shall require a certificate or other evidence of acceptance by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

(2) The authority having jurisdiction shall require a report of tests made by other inspection authorities or organizations acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

11.11.3.1 - There shall be a minimum of 10 ft (3050 mm) between stake lines.

11.11.5 Fire-Extinguishing Equipment. - Portable fire-extin­guishing equipment of approved types shall be furnished and maintained in tents in such quantity and in such locations as directed by the authority having jurisdiction.

Regarding BBQ / Smoker trailers being subject to burn bans

For solid fuel: wood or charcoal burning BBQ type trailers, open to the environment with no hood or duct system; BBQ trailers not usually permitted or inspected to any standard (NFPA, IBC, IFC). There is a fire box, that when opened to the environment could allow sparks or embers to escape and a chimney that has no means to catch a spark or ember. For these reasons BBQ type trailers would not be allowed to operate during burn bans.

It is recommended by FIre Chiefs that operations be put into place to help with the escape of spark or embers. The additions of internal baffling that would deflect or change the course of sparks or embers (particles) from the fire box prior to exiting by way of the chimney. The addition of a metal wall or curtain of sorts around the area of the fire box which would contain the spark or ember if escaped when the fire box was opened. The addition of a spark diverting / arresting type chimney cap. Possibly a metal enclosure of sort that meets current code requirements. Write up a “plan review” for your fire safety and submit this plan of operation to the local fire authority to see if they will aprove you to open for business.

City/County Fire Inspection-Permits (updated 2023)

State Fire Marshal’s Association Fire Code and Resources for Food Truck Inspections Regional Program. It is going to be the Fire Marshal, an Assistant or Deputy Marshal that will do your inspection for permit.

King County (39-cities) See participating agencies in document here.

Auburn - Valley Regional Fire Authority charges no permit fee but will require an inspection. Call for appointment: 253 288-5870 or (VRFA covers the cities of Algona & Pacific also.)

The Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority serves Kent, Covington, Maple Valley & SeaTac. For 2022, the fee is $160.81. Request inspection by phone: (253) 856-5427 or 253-856-7475. Email: fireprevention@pugetsoundfire.org

Burien - $50 permit fee.

Bellevue - as of 4/24 they are now charging $128 for operational fire permit. Call Fire Prevention @ 425-452-6872 or 425.452.7857 or email: MWhittemor@bellevuewa.gov. Food trucks should be at least 12 feet away from tents. If the tents have cooking, there must be 20 feet of clearance from the food truck. Operational permits issued by any King County Fire Agency are recognized in this city. Locate generators at least 20’ away from your mobile food vending unless the generator is 6,500 watts or smaller. Bellevue’s new fire code page for mobile food units.

Seattle - Fire permits at $422 (or $352 if you have other regional inspection report dated within last 12-mo., per SFC Section 105.3.1 / Code 8206-TRK) Contact: Frank Miles, Permit Technician Supervisor / Office: 206.233.7106 / Cell: 206.495.2936 / Email is: franklin.miles@seattle.gov OR Contact Seattle’s Fire Marshal: (206) 386-1450. Seattle Fire Dept Permit form can be found here. OR Contact: Karen Grove/ Fire Prevention Division, Seattle Fire Department/ 206-386-1451 | karen.grove@seattle.gov. Seattle Fire does food truck inspections at a site in Northgate or in Georgetown on alternating Wednesdays.

Port of Seattle - Requires additional permit, call: (206) 787-5327.

Renton - Renton fire permit w/inspection is $110. All mobile food vehicles in Renton are required to have the city fire permit, an approved list can be found here: https://rentonrfa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01.19.23-Mobile-Food-Facility-List.pdf

Redmond - Requires fire permit for $152.03, apply here. Food trucks that have been inspected within the last year by a partner fire agency, including Seattle Fire, Bellevue Fire, Valley Regional Fire Authority, and Renton Regional Fire Authority, may have its Redmond permit fees reduced by 50%.

Eastside Fire covers: Issaquah, North Bend, Sammamish, Woodinville, and Fire Districts 10 & 38, which includes Carnation. (Issaquah - They will accept a current permit from any other King County fire dept. They will inspect on site w/no fee at this time-2022). Phone: 425-313-3200/(425) 313-3322 or Email requests: FireMarshals@ESF-R.ORG

Kirkland - For fire Inspection, call: 425-587-3661 or email: FInspector@kirklandwa.gov

Mercer Island - No fee for permit but does require permit & inspection, call the Fire Marshall at: 253 288-5870 .

Snohomish County (18-cities)

Bothell - Food Truck Fire permit fee of $214.65 plus a 5% tech fee (50% reduction with permit from neighboring jurisdiction) Apply for a “Fire Code Construction” permit here. The city of Bothell does not have specific requirements for generators. Their Electrical code requires portable generators be 10’ from combustibles or combustible structures with approved correct gauge chord. Vendors can Contact Melissa Gladden at 425-806-6251 or Shane Poston, Deputy Fire Marshal at 425-806-6253.

Snohomish - South County Fire (covers Mountlake Terrace, Edmonds, Brier & Lynnwood) may not allow external gas filled generators. Call for inspection: 425-551-1264

Everett - Contact: Everett Fire Department 425-754-4576 2930 - Wetmore, STE 7a, Asst. Fire Marshal/main line at 425-257-8120 or email FMO@everettwa.gov. Cost is $84. Everett Fire has teamed up with other departments in the Snohomish Region to have a standard inspection form for Food Trucks. If the vendor has already had an inspection they may waive the inspection. But the permit would still be required for 1/2 of the fee at $42. Here is the link to the permits: https://everettwa.gov/306/Fire-Permits If a copy of an approved up-to-date Regional Fire Marshals Food Truck Inspection Checklist is provided the inspection may be waved. Everett Fire Marshal’s office at 425-257-8120 / Email: fmo@everettwa.gov

Arlington & Stanwood: Contact Assistant Chief Steve GoForth at 360-629-2184. https://www.northcountyfireems.com/

Pierce County (21-cities)

Pierce County is now on the list of approved inspections for the Regional group so inspections done in this county should be accepted in King and Snohomish Counties. Find the Pierce County Mobile Food Truck Inspection web page here: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/7951/Food-Trucks For fire inspection program questions: 253-798-7179 or email: pcfireprevention@piercecountywa.gov.

Tacoma - Fire inspection/city (public parking) fire permit fee is $125 (per Muni code 6b.175.040)

East Pierce Fire - cover the areas of: Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, Sumner, South Prairie and the Ridge Communities. Contact: Chuck King, Fire Marshal – Assistant Chief/253-863-1800 (HQ) Email: cking@eastpiercefire.org

Central Pierce Fire - Requires a $100 permit fee, contact: 253-538-6402. Central Pierce Fire covers the communities of Puyallup, Parkland, Midland, Spanaway, South Hill, Summit and Frederickson.

Kitsap County

All incorporated cities in Kitsap County fall under the Fire Marshal for Kitsap County. You will need their Operational Permit at a cost of $325. (360) 337-5777 Apply here.

Thurston County

Contact: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/community-planning-and-economic-development/permitting/codes-regulations/fire-codes Fire Marshall & Fire Inspections: bobby.may@co.thurston.wa.us

Chelan County

Contact: Cliff Burdick (509-888-3200)

Skagit County

Bonnie LaCount, Deputy Fire Marshal, bonniel@co.skagit.wa.us (Sedro Wooley)

In Burlington & Mount Vernon: (360) 757-6684 kellyjb@burlingtonwa.gov and Annie Avery, City of Burlington Fire Inspector: anniea@burlingtonwa.gov / 360-755-2381

NFPA SOLID FUEL SAFETY CHECKLIST (WHERE WOOD, CHARCOAL, OR OTHER SOLID FUEL IS USED)

❑ Fuel is not stored above any heat-producing appliance or vent. [96:14.9.2.2] SA

❑ Fuel is not stored closer than 3 ft to any cooking appliance. [96:14.9.2.2] SB

❑ Fuel is not stored near any combustible flammable liquids, ignition sources, chemicals, and food supplies and packaged goods. [96:14.9.2.7] SC

❑ Fuel is not stored in the path of the ash removal or near removed ashes. [96:14.9.2.4] SD

❑ Ash, cinders, and other fire debris should be removed from the firebox at regular intervals and at least once a day. [96:14.9.3.6.1] SE

❑ Removed ashes, cinders, and other removed fire debris should be placed in a closed, metal container located at least 3 ft from any cooking appliance. [96:14.9.3.8] SF

Carefully read and understand state & local fire codes, train all of your employees, and prevent this from happening here in our state:

(PLEASE report any broken links, or edits that need to be made, here).