Prank Calls Wreck Restaurants – Criminal Liability And Fire Code Requirements

Last week, a number of restaurants in California's Central Valley received a phone call from someone claiming to be from either a local fire department or a fire alarm company.  The caller asked the restaurant to test the emergency fire suppression system, claiming that the system was in "test mode."  The problem was, it was a prank call, and the fire suppression system was not in "test mode."

A few restaurants who received the call recognized that it was a hoax and ignored it.  Others were more trusting.  Employees in several restaurants pulled the emergency fire suppression lever, which released water and dry chemical fire-fighting agent all over the kitchens including the grills and food preparation areas.  This effectively shut down these restaurants for days and caused thousands of dollars in losses.  It also meant a visit from the health inspector before the restaurants could be cleared to open again.