Mobile Food Vendors

The Mobile Food Truck Fire Inspection is a comprehensive safety checklist used by the City of Waco Fire Marshal’s Office to ensure mobile food preparation vehicles meet all fire, fuel gas, electrical, ventilation, and operational standards before they are allowed to operate.

Inspection verifies compliance with the 2024 International Fire Code & applicable NFPA standards by reviewing propane and natural gas systems, hood and suppression equipment, electrical installations, fire extinguisher readiness, employee training, safe vehicle placement, generator setup, grease management, and required safety devices.

Request a MFV Fire Inspection:

• By email request FireMarshalTeam@wacotx.gov
• By calling (254)750-1740
• Paying the required $50.00 fee 

NOTE: Your Mobile Food Truck can be inspected at any time and/or at any event you attend, by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction or AHJ.

Mobile Food Vendor Fire Inspection Checklist

Installation, Testing, and Maintenance of Fuel Gas Systems:

1. All propane and natural gas piping shall be constructed and installed in accordance with the current adopted NFPA 58 requirements and documentation of a current annual leak test performed. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 Sections 6.11 – 6.11.6.3 & 2024 IFC Section 4106.4.3.3
2. LPG or CNG containers installed on the vehicle and fuel gas piping systems shall be inspected annually by an approved inspection agency, person, or special expert who is qualified to ensure that system components are free from damage, suitable for the intended purpose, and not subject to leaking. An inspection tag must be placed on the fuel gas system or within the vehicle upon satisfactory inspection that includes the name of the agency and date of inspection. IFC 2024 Edition Sections 4106.4.3.1, 4106.4.3.2 & 4106.4.3.4

Installation of Hoods and Fire Suppression Systems:

1. All cooking operations that produce grease laden vapors shall be provided with a kitchen hood constructed in accordance with NFPA 96. IFC 2024 Edition Sections 4106.3 & 606
2. Have there been any modifications to the existing hood system?
3. If the answer to the above question is yes, are penetrations and holes sealed with a listed or equivalent liquid tight sealing device? The addition of obstructions to spray patterns such a baffle plates, shelves, or any modification shall not be permitted without the fire suppression system being re-evaluated by a properly trained, qualified, and certified person. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Sections 11.2.3.1 through 11.2.3.4

Fire Suppression Systems:

1. Fire extinguishers tagged as being inspected for the current year. A 2-A:20-B:C or two 2-A:10-B:Cextinguishers shall be installed where internal combustion power sources are provided. A Class K extinguisher is required if using a deep fryer and/or cooking operations produce grease laden vapors. A class A extinguisher shall be provided for use on solid fuel cooking operations. IFC 2024 Edition Section 4106.4.2, 2024 NFPA 96 11.7.4 & 11.7.5, and 2022 NFPA 10 Section 7.2.4.1.1

Operating Procedures:

1. Instructions shall be provided to new employees upon hiring and to all employees annually on the use of portable fire extinguishers and the manual actuation of the fire-extinguishing system. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 12.1.4
2. Instructions for manually operating the fire-extinguishing system shall be posted conspicuously in the kitchen and shall be reviewed with employees by the management. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 12.1.4.3

Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Hood Suppression Systems:

1. Hood suppression systems shall have a current inspection tag that includes date of fusible link installation and the initials of the installer. The fusible links shall be destroyed when removed. IFC 2024 Edition Sections 4106.4.1 & 606.3.3.1. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Sections 12.2.6 through 12.2.6.2

Inspection of Grease Buildup:

1. The exhaust system, including hood, grease removal devices, fans, ducts, and other appurtenances, shall be inspected and cleaned in accordance with NFPA 96. If upon inspection, the exhaust system is found to be contaminated with deposits from grease-laden vapors, the contaminated portions of the exhaust system shall be cleaned. The commercial kitchen hood and exhaust systems shall be cleaned every 6 months for moderate volume cooking operations or annually for low volume cooking operations (seasonal) based on cleaning frequency requirements of NFPA 96 Section 12.4, Table 12.4. Grease filters shall be in place and free of the accumulation of grease. IFC 2024 Edition Section 4106.4.1
2. The cleaning shall be documented with the date the service was performed and the name of the person performing the work. Documentation shall be produced upon request by the fire inspector. IFC 2024 Edition Section 4106.4.1

Cooking Equipment:

1. All deep-fat fryers shall be installed with at least a 16-inch separation between the deep fryer(s) and surface flames from the adjacent cooking equipment. Where a steel or tempered glass baffle plate with a minimum 8-inch height is installed between the fryer and surface flames of the adjacent appliance, the requirement for a 16-inch space shall not apply. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Sections 13.1.2.4 or 13.1.2.5
2. Deep-fat fryers shall be equipped with a separate high-limit control in addition to the adjustable operating control (thermostat) to shut off fuel or energy when the fat temperature reached 475ºF at 1-inch below the surface. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 13.2

Location of Mobile and Temporary Cooking Operations:

1. Mobile and temporary cooking operations shall be separated from the entrances and other exits of buildings or structures, combustible materials, vehicles, and other cooking operations by a clear space of 10 ft or as prescribed by the AHJ. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.2.1
2. Mobile or temporary cooking operations shall be separated from other mobile or temporary cooking operations by a distance of 10 ft. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.2.2
3. When the mobile unit is parked, the vehicle shall be stabilized so that it will not move, either by jacking the vehicle or placing wheel chocks around the wheels. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.2.3

LP Gas Cooking Appliances:

1. Gas fired cooking appliances shall be equipped with shutoffs. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 5.15.2.3 and2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.5.1
2. To minimize possible damage and impaired operation due to items shifting in transit, cooking appliances shall be constructed and secured in place or otherwise protected. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.5.3
3. Access/Egress - sufficient exits for escape in the event of fire, not blocked by appliances or locked. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.5.4

Internal Combustion Engine Power Sources:

1. Internal combustion engine power sources not mounted on the vehicle shall be located at least 12 ft. from mobile or temporary cooking operations and shall be isolated from physical contact by the installation of physical guards, fencing, or an enclosure(s). 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Sections 17.6.2.1 and 17.6.2.2
2. Internal combustion engine power sources shall be positioned so that the exhaust complies with the following: Located at least 12 ft. from openings, air intakes, and means of egress, in a position pointed away from any building, and in a position pointed away from any mobile or temporary cooking operations. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.6.2.3

Vehicle-Mounted Generators:

1. Where a generator compartment is used to isolate the installed generator from the vehicle’s interior, or a compartment is provided for the future installation of a generator and is intended to isolate the future generator from the vehicle’s interior, the generator compartment shall be lined with galvanized steel not less than 26 MSG thick. All seams and joints shall be lapped, mechanically secured, and made vapor resistant to the interior of the vehicle. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Sections 17.7.3 thru 17.7.3.2

LP-Gas Container Installation Requirements:

1. LP-Gas containers installed on vehicles shall not exceed 200-gallon aggregate water capacity. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.8.4.1.3
2. For cylinders between 4 lbs. and 40 lbs., once installed shall have permanent protection for cylinder valves and connections. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.8.4.6.3
3. Containers shall be installed such that they do not become loose, slip, or rotate. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 Section 16.3.5 and IFC 5303.5.3
4. Main shutoff valves on a container for liquid or vapor shall be readily accessible without the use of tools or other equipment, shall be provided to shut off the container valve. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 Section 16.3.4
5. Compressed gas cylinders not secured to the vehicle are properly secured 10 feet away from exits, trash or combustibles and not kept inside the vehicle passenger or work area. 2024 Edition NFPA58 Section 6.5.3.3
6. Emergency shut off or main shut off valve accessible, visible and clearly labeled for compressed gas and cooking equipment. 2024 NFPA 58 Section 4.10

Installation of Pressure Regulators:

1. Regulators shall be installed with the pressure relief vent opening pointing vertically downward to allow for drainage of moisture collected on the diaphragm of the regulator. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 Section 16.6.11.4.1
2. Regulators not installed in compartments shall be equipped with a durable cover designed to protect the regulator vent opening from sleet, snow, freezing rain, ice, mud, and wheel spray. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 Section 16.6.11.4.2

Gas Piping:

1. A flexible connector hose shall be installed between regulator outlet and the fixed piping system to provide flexibility in the piping system. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 16.6.8.1
2. Flexible connector hoses shall not exceed 5 ft. in overall length and shall not be installed in the vehicle. 2024 Edition NFPA 58 Sections 16.6.8.3 and 16.6.8.4

Electrical Wiring:

1. Vehicle mounted generators shall comply with the provisions of NFPA 70, Article 551, Part III. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.9.1
2. Electrical equipment, wiring, relocatable power taps, current taps, extension cords and other electrical systems shall be installed, used, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 70 and Sections 4106.6.1. through 4106.6.3. IFC 2024 Edition Chapter 41, Section 4106.6
3. All electrical equipment, wiring, devices, and appliances shall be tested, listed, and labeled; and installed, used and maintained in accordance with NFPA 70 and all instructions included as part of such listing. IFC 2024 Edition Chapter 41, Section 4106.6.1
4. Open junction boxes and open wiring splices shall be prohibited. Approved covers shall be provided for all switch and electrical outlets. This section also includes the use of approved blank fillers for open breaker panel spaces. IFC 2024 Edition Chapter 41, Section 4106.6.2
5. Relocatable power taps (surge protector/power strip) and extension cords shall not be used on equipment that is permanently mounted in the mobile food truck. Relocatable power taps shall only be used with approved equipment (point of sales machine, phone charger, and like devices) and not used on appliances. Extension cords should only be used as a means of temporary power, if a temporary appliance is added for a specific event. IFC 2024 Edition Chapter 41, Section 4106.6.3
6. Conditions that constitute an electrical shock hazard or fire hazard shall be abated. IFC 2024Edition Chapter 41, Section 4106.6.4

LP-Gas System Leak and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection:

1. Combustible gas and propane leak detection in place inside unit. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section17.8.2.1
2. LP-Gas detection system shall be tested monthly. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.8.2.2
3. If the heat source is non-electric and open flames are used, at least one carbon monoxide (CO) detector shall be installed. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.10.1

Oily Waste Containers:

1. Listed or approved containers with self-closing lids shall be provided for the storage and disposal of grease-contaminated cloths or waste. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 4.9.1
2. Employees for the unit trained in the following: use of a fire extinguisher, shutting off the fuel sources for the vehicle in an emergency, notifying the local FD if needed, performing a simple leak test on gas connections in the cooking area. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 17.11.1

Miscellaneous Requirements:

1. Egress and emergency access: The placement of the concession operation does not interfere with fire lanes, fire breaks, fire hydrants, or exit access of any proximate structures. 2021 NFPA 1 Sections 18.2.4.1.1 and Sections 13.1.4 – 13.1.5

New Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles:

1. For mobile food preparation vehicles manufactured, built, or converted into a mobile food preparation vehicle after January 1, 2026 at least one listed audible and visual notification appliance shall be installed on the exterior surface of the vehicle readily audible and visible to the public. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 11.5.2
2. A permanent caution plate shall be installed in a location visible to operational personnel in mobile food preparation vehicles manufactured, built or converted after January 1, 2026. The caution plate shall conform with Section 17.5.6, Figure 17.5.6. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.5.5 & 17.5.6
3. LP-Gas containers shall be installed above the height of the rear bumper and forward of the rear bumper if the vehicle was manufactured, built, or converted into a mobile food preparation vehicle after January 1, 2026. 2024 Edition NFPA 96 Section 17.8.4.7

A good operating practice is for cleaning personnel of commercial kitchen exhaust systems to have personal protective equipment (PPE) and height access equipment. The following items should be considered as a minimum:

1. Eye protection
2. Hand protection
3. Head protection
4. Foot protection
5. Respiratory protection
6. Fall protection
7. Ladders
8. Lock-out/tag-out kit

Preparation.
The fan should be turned off, locked out, and tagged out. Open flames should be extinguished, and switches/breakers serving the appliance and cooking area outlets should be locked out. If the switches/breakers are not capable of being locked out and tagged out, any solid-fuel cooking appliances should be extinguished and the solid fuel removed.

Removal or Covering of Equipment.
Food products, cookware, and cooking support equipment that can be removed should be removed from the cleaning area. Equipment that cannot be removed should be covered.

Cleaning Methods.
The following methods for cleaning surfaces covered with grease and contaminants have been proved to be effective:

1. Manual cleaning by scraping, grinding, or scrubbing
2. Chemical cleaning with agents and water
3. Pressure washing with pressurized water or pressurized water and agents
4. Steam cleaning with pressurized steam

Waste Water and Solid Waste.
Water and agents used in the cleaning process and solid waste should be collected for disposal.

551.30 Generator Installations.

1. Mounting

   Generators shall be mounted in such a manner as to be effectively bonded to the recreational vehicle chassis. The connection of the electrical system produced by the generator shall provide an effective ground-fault return path when operational.

2. Generator Protection
   

   Equipment shall be installed to ensure that the current-carrying conductors from the engine generator and from an outside source are not connected to a vehicle circuit at the same time. Automatic transfer switches in such applications shall be listed for use in one of the following:

   1. Emergency systems
   2. Optional standby systems

   Receptacles used as disconnecting means shall be accessible (as applied to wiring methods) and capable of interrupting their rated current without hazard to the operator.

3. Installation of Storage Batteries and Generators

   Storage batteries and internal-combustion-driven generator units (subject to the provisions of this Code) shall be secured in place to avoid displacement from vibration and road shock.

4. Ventilation of Generator Compartments

   Compartments accommodating internal-combustion-driven generator units shall be provided with ventilation in accordance with instructions provided by the manufacturer of the generator unit. Informational Note: See NFPA 1192-2021, Standard on Recreational Vehicles, for generator compartment construction requirements.

5. Supply Conductors

   The supply conductors from the engine generator to the first termination on the vehicle shall be of the stranded type and be installed in listed flexible conduit or listed liquid-tight flexible conduit. The point of first termination shall be in one of the following:

   1. Panelboard
   2. Junction box with a blank cover
   3. Junction box with a receptacle
   4. Enclosed transfer switch
   5. Receptacle assembly listed in conjunction with the generator

   The panelboard, enclosed transfer switch, or junction box with a receptacle shall be installed within 450 mm (18 in.) of the point of entry of the supply conductors into the vehicle. A junction box with a blank cover shall be mounted on the compartment wall inside or outside the compartment; to any part of the generator-supporting structure (but not to the generator); to the vehicle floor on the outside of the vehicle; or within 450 mm (18 in.) of the point of entry of the supply conductors into the vehicle. A receptacle assembly listed in conjunction with the generator shall be mounted in accordance with its listing.

551.31 Multiple Supply Source.

1. Multiple Supply Sources

   Where a multiple supply system consisting of an alternate power source and a power-supply cord is installed, the feeder from the alternate power source shall be protected by an overcurrent protective device. Installation shall be in accordance with 551.30(A), 551.30(B), and 551.40.

2. Multiple Supply Sources Capacity

   The multiple supply sources shall not be required to be of the same capacity.

3. Alternate Power Sources Exceeding 30 Amperes

   If an alternate power source exceeds 30 amperes, 120 volts, nominal, it shall be permissible to wire it as a 120-volt, nominal, system, a 208Y/120-volt, nominal, system, or a 120/240-volt, nominal, system, provided an overcurrent protective device of the proper rating is installed in the feeder.

4. Feeder Assembly Not Less Than 30 Amperes

   The external feeder assembly shall be permitted to be less than the calculated load but not less than 30 amperes and shall have overcurrent protection not greater than the capacity of the external feeder assembly.

551.32 Other Sources.

Other sources of ac power, such as inverters, motor generators, or engine generators, shall be listed for use in recreational vehicles and shall be installed in accordance with the terms of the listing. Other sources of ac power shall be wired in full conformity with the requirements in Parts I, II, III, IV, and V of this article covering 120-volt electrical systems.

551.33 Alternate Source Restrictions.

Transfer equipment, if not integral with the listed power source, shall be installed to ensure that the current-carrying conductors from other sources of ac power and from an outside source are not connected to the vehicle circuit at the same time. Automatic transfer switches in such applications shall be listed for use in one of the following:

1. Emergency systems
2. Optional standby systems