IKECA was founded in 1989 when a small group of exhaust kitchen exhaust cleaning specialists were attending the same meeting. They found that they all had similar needs and beliefs in the importance of proper and complete exhaust cleaning to the fire protection world. Within two years, these founders had created the first trade association for the kitchen exhaust cleaning industry. Today, IKECA Members represent the best in the industry. They are proud to have made significant contributions to the decrease in commercial kitchen fires in the US. The current membership is approximately 250. In 2009, IKECA joined the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a standards developer. This allows IKECA to help develop definitive standards for cleaning, inspecting and maintenance of commercial kitchen exhaust systems. Progress is underway. Once completed and approved as American National Standards, they can be adopted by other ANSI organizations (National Fire Protection Association, International Code Council) as well as jurisdictions across the US. This is just the beginning. With members all over the world, IKECA is bringing its core beliefs and ethical standards to every part of the globe, and continuing to lead the industry in certification and continuing education.