My wife and I have been hardworking members of the food truck industry for nearly a decade. In our nine years, we've only experienced one minor incident where our k series extinguisher promptly extinguished a grease pan fire. It's from this personal experience and knowledge that we argue against the newly-passed North Carolina legislation, effective July 1st, that mandates the installation of automatic fire suppression systems in food trucks. 

This legislation, we believe, is impractical, unnecessary, and presents a financial burden to food truck operators like ourselves. With both of us in our late sixties, we shouldn't be forced to invest in a system that's more likely to cost us in damages than prevent them. Due to road vibrations, these auto suppression systems risk being triggered inadvertently, leading to expensive clean-up costs and at least two days of lost revenue.

Moreover, there's a lack of incidents to warrant such strict measures. The U.S. Fire Administration's report (2014) indicates that only 0.4% of all vehicle fires involve food trucks. Consequently, the perceived risk is far greater than the actual one, and the financial strain on small businesses is disproportionate.

Being an integral part of North Carolina's vibrant food scene, food trucks should not be subject to legislation that doesn't account for their unique challenges. We urge the lawmakers to reconsider this potentially damaging law, and for the public to stand with us, to protect this dynamic industry.

It's time to rethink this legislation, support local businesses and uphold the spirit of entrepreneurship. Please, sign our petition.