Every now and then I like to GOOGLE "restaurant grease fire" in the news, and I never cease to uncover at least a few recent stories of restaurant fires involving kitchen grease.  I don't know if these restaurants are getting their hoods cleaned or not, but I know they need to because kitchen grease is a real fire hazard.  Just check out what news headlines I found in the last 10 days.

Wood-Fired Rotisserie blamed in Palo Alto Restaurant Blaze
San Jose Mercury News, Sept. 28, 2009
"The blaze was fueled by grease that had accumulated over the years in a gap between the brick fire box and a metal ventilation hood...."  Read the story HERE.

Grease Fire Sends Patrons Fleeing, Damages Leucadia Restaurant
San Diego Union Tribune, Sept. 29, 2009
"Investigators determined that the blaze originated as a grease fire in the kitchen...."  Read the story HERE.

Fire Damages Staunton Eatery
News Virginian, Oct. 3, 2009
"A grease fire in the restaurant's kitchen spread quickly and three employees fled the building...."  Read the story HERE.

The regular occurrence of stories like this should be sufficient motivation for restaurants to get on a regular maintenance hood cleaning schedule.  Thank you, hood cleaners, for protecting American eating establishments!