03/08/2026
🚚🔥 Reminder to Mobile Food Truck & Food Trailer Operators in West Virginia
As mobile food truck season begins across the state, the Fire Marshals Association of West Virginia would like to issue an important reminder to mobile food truck and food trailer operators about required fire and life safety inspections and operational requirements.
All mobile food trucks and food trailers operating in West Virginia are required to obtain an inspection sticker from the Office of the West Virginia State Fire Marshal. This inspection helps ensure that cooking equipment, fuel systems, and fire protection systems are operating safely.
Operators and event coordinators are also reminded of several important safety REQUIREMENTS while operating:
• Maintain at least 10 feet of separation between mobile food units and other exposures. This includes separation between other food trucks and/or trailers, as well as separation from vehicles, buildings, structures, and other nearby items.
• The 10-foot separation from vehicles includes the tow vehicle. If operating a pull-behind food trailer, the trailer must be disconnected from the tow vehicle during operation and properly stabilized using jacks and wheel chocks.
• Inspect propane systems each day before operation to check for leaks.
• Maintain documentation of daily propane leak checks.
• Test propane leak detection and carbon monoxide detection devices inside the unit regularly.
• Ensure that fire protection systems are properly serviced, up to date, and tagged so they remain operational.
• Generators must be properly grounded and properly caged or otherwise protected to prevent contact by children or other members of the public.
📋 Need to obtain your required annual inspection sticker?
Applications for inspection through the Office of the State Fire Marshal can be found by visiting:
firemarshal.wv.gov
Click “Fire and Life Safety Inspections” to download the mobile food unit inspection application. Completed applications should be submitted to the email address listed on the form.
There is currently NO CHARGE for these inspections by the State Fire Marshal.
Once the application has been submitted and processed, the State Fire Marshal assigned to that area will contact the applicant to schedule a date and time for the inspection to be completed.
Sworn State Fire Marshals will also be present throughout the season at fairs, festivals, and other events across West Virginia, conducting compliance checks to help ensure the safety of the public at large.
⚠️ Operators should also be aware that several municipalities in West Virginia require a separate municipal inspection in addition to the State Fire Marshal inspection. If you plan to operate within a municipality that has a Fire Prevention Bureau, you should contact that local fire department or fire prevention office to determine whether an additional municipal inspection is required.
The Fire Marshals Association of West Virginia appreciates the many mobile food vendors who operate safely and responsibly while serving communities across the state.
Following these requirements helps ensure a safe and successful season for everyone. 🔥🚚
Reminder: Violations of the West Virginia State Fire Code are a misdemeanor criminal offense, and citations may be issued by the State Fire Marshal with penalties determined in Magistrate Court in accordance with §15A-10-22