All Fire Protection Service

Our experience with similar operators has been that representatives make unannounced service calls to area businesses claiming to be the authorized service company for their fire safety equipment. Some operators dress in uniforms which resemble local fire official’s uniforms, and imply they have been sent by the Fire Department. They ask to inspect the company’s fire extinguishers and fire safety equipment. After a brief examination of 5 to 10 minutes, the put a sticker on the fire extinguisher, ask for a signature on a form to verify that they have inspected the equipment, and then leave. Within a short period of time invoices are sent out by mail billing the businesses for the inspection service, or multiple inspections which usually total between $500 and $1500.

On January 20, 2009, our office verified with our local Fire Marshal’s office, that neither the Fire Department nor the Fire Marshall’s office inspects fire extinguishers, and inspections are not contracted to private industries. Businesses are responsible for maintaining their own fire extinguishers and equipment.

We urge caution. Businesses across the nation should caution their employees to be on alert for anyone coming to their offices, shops, stores or restaurants to service their fire extinguishers, to perform service on the hood and duct systems over cooking areas, or to conduct maintenance on automatic sprinkler systems.
BBB’s nationally have received reports of fraudulent promoters engaging in high pressure deceptive sales methods to convince business owners to use their service. Be wary of unfamiliar personnel wearing uniforms with patches similar to those worn by fire department staff, giving the impression that they are from the fire department. Many are said to claim they are authorized to do an inspection of the fire protection systems and make subsequent repairs. Others might state that they are there to service fire extinguishers or hood and duct systems prior to the date those devices are to be serviced, or that have previously been serviced by another company.

Any one contacted or approached by these companies should refuse to do business with them and notify their local police department. Businesses also have the right to dispute any bills for work they did not authorize or that was performed under false pretenses.