
Fire Extinguisher Services in Northern California
Fire extinguishers are vital for immediate response to fires, containing them, and safeguarding lives and property. At Foothill Fire Protection, Inc., we can help you determine the correct number, size, and type of extinguishers needed for your unique setting. Then, we provide all needed routine fire extinguisher inspections, maintenance, and testing.
We always strive for top-of-the-line customer service and peace of mind. Our highly skilled service experts are ready to ensure your business experiences minimal interruptions, improved reliability, extended equipment life, and reduced operating costs.
Our Products
We are direct distributors of the following products:
- Amerex
- Badger
- Range Guard
- Sampson
- JL Industries
- Ansul
The Importance of Fire Extinguishers in Northern CA
We are your full-service company for fire extinguisher service, maintenance, and inspections. The law requires portable fire extinguishers for commercial buildings, and it’s extremely wise to have portable fire extinguishers in your home. It’s also vital that extinguishers are easily accessible in critical situations.
Top Reasons To Have Fire Extinguishers
- Immediate Response: Fire extinguishers provide a means for immediate response when a small fire breaks out. They empower individuals to take action in the critical early stages before the fire has a chance to escalate.
- Fire Containment: Early intervention with a fire extinguisher can help contain and control a fire, preventing it from spreading to other areas and minimizing damage to property.
- Life Safety: In situations where people are present, having a fire extinguisher can be crucial for protecting lives. It allows individuals to create a path to safety or provide assistance to others during an evacuation.
- Emergency Preparedness: Fire extinguishers are a vital component of emergency preparedness plans. Having them strategically placed in key locations ensures that occupants are equipped to respond effectively in case of a fire.
- Compliance with Regulations: Many building codes and safety regulations require the installation of fire extinguishers in commercial and residential properties. Compliance helps ensure a safe environment and may be a legal requirement.
- Protection of Property: Rapid response with a fire extinguisher can help safeguard valuable assets and property. The ability to suppress a fire early may reduce the extent of damage and the associated financial losses.
- Risk Mitigation: Fire extinguishers are essential tools for mitigating the risks associated with fire hazards. Whether in a home, office, or industrial setting, their presence helps manage the inherent dangers of fire.
Making Sure You Have the Right Type of Fire Extinguisher
As crucial as it is to have an extinguisher, it’s just as important that you are using the correct type and size for the hazard you’re trying to address and that you’re getting your extinguishers serviced.
At Foothill Fire Protection, we have you covered — from dry chemical to Class K for commercial kitchens to water extinguishers for those Class A hazards. We have them all in stock and ready to install and maintain.
The Five Classes of Fire Extinguishers
Class A:
Class A fire extinguishers are for small areas, such as an office or classroom. They should be installed within 75 feet of any employee.
Class B:
Class B fire extinguishers are for working environments with combustible gases or liquids, such as auto repair shops or factories. They must be installed within 50 feet of any employee.
Class C:
Class C fire extinguishers are for businesses with any energized electrical equipment, including power tools and appliances. They must be installed within 50 to 75 feet of all employees.
Class D:
Class D fire extinguishers are used for combustible metals usually found in a laboratory environment. There are several combustible metals, such as titanium, magnesium, and aluminum. These extinguishers should be installed within 75 feet of any area containing these metals.
Class K:
Class K fire extinguishers are used for kitchen-related fires caused by vegetable oils, cooking fats, and grease. Businesses with operational kitchens must have these extinguishers installed within 30 feet of the kitchen area.
Fire Extinguisher Repairs in Northern CA
No matter your industry or type of business, fire extinguishers are critical fire safety equipment to have on-site. Fire extinguishers must meet most local, state, and federal fire codes, regulations, and standards. They protect you, your property, residents, and staff from the devastating effects of a fire. Common signs fire extinguishers need repair or replacement include:
- Broken handles
- Loose components
- Faulty seals and hoses
In many cases, replacing a damaged fire extinguisher is your best option.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection and Testing for Northern CA
To ensure peace of mind and meet local, state, and federal regulations, it’s crucial to schedule a routine inspection of your business’s fire extinguishers.
Most fire extinguishers have a life span from five to 12 years. If they pass the inspection and testing, they can be recharged for another five, six, or 12 years, depending on the type of extinguishers. Different fire extinguisher parts need to be checked at varying times, so we highly recommend routine inspections.
Each month, a trained person should check every extinguisher to make sure they’re:
- In the correct location
- Have clear and legible tags
- Are easily accessible by everyone
- Have unaltered seals
- Are not damaged in any way
Written confirmation of these monthly inspections should be kept on file.
You should also schedule an annual inspection by a licensed professional from Foothill Fire Protection, Inc. at least once a year.
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
Commercial fire extinguishers require professional, yearly maintenance. If you notice any of these warning signs for one or more of your fire extinguishers, it’s time for replacement:
- Someone accidentally discharged the extinguisher.
- The extinguisher was used to put out a fire.
- The inspection sticker or hangtag is missing.
- The hose or nozzle is cracked, torn, or blocked.
- The locking pin on the handle is missing or unsealed.
- The handle is wobbly or broken.
- Rust or corrosion is visible.
- The extinguisher is leaking.
It’s worth noting that if your fire extinguishers are old and have been serviced multiple times, replacing them, even if they’re still technically functional, brings the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property and everyone in it is as safe and protected as possible.
Choose Foothill Fire Protection
Foothill Fire Protection is your partner in absolute fire safety. With us at your side, you can rest easy knowing that you have the right fire extinguishers on hand for your unique risk profile.
Our in-depth knowledge of fire codes ensures that your extinguisher placement maximizes your capacity to respond promptly to a blaze before it transforms into an all-encompassing fire.
We stock the finest extinguisher brands and take care of them across their service life. We’ve been serving local businesses for many years and have developed a multifaceted list of services. We believe in the importance of community, so we recruit our highly skilled team locally.
Foothill Fire Protection offers all-encompassing asset protection solutions, always delivered with a smile.
Call (916) 663-3582 to get started on your fire safety needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Fire Extinguishers
While commercial and residential fire extinguishers look similar, they differ significantly. Commercial extinguishers come in various classes (A, B, C, D, and K), and each one has a specific use, such as Class A for wood or Class K for commercial kitchen grease fires. Residential fire extinguishers also don’t have the same quality and durability as their commercial counterparts.
Commercial-grade extinguishers have superior carry and discharge handles and offer a higher flow rate. Your business should always have the highest quality tools for any application, and its fire extinguishers should be no different. Don’t risk the safety of your people or property by installing lower quality, non-commercial fire extinguishers in your facility.
Yes, anyone can learn to operate a commercial fire extinguisher. A simple way to remember how to use one is with the acronym PASS:
- Pull the pin.
- Aim at the fire’s base.
- Squeeze the trigger.
- Sweep from side to side.
Correctly placed commercial fire extinguishers are easier to access and help you control a fire so that occupants can safely evacuate the building until the fire department arrives. Two key factors apply to locating extinguishers: accessibility and visibility. The National Fire Protection Association’s fact sheet on fire extinguisher location and placement provides guidelines on where to place your facility’s equipment.
Extinguishers should be placed where they’re readily accessible during a fire, including normal travel paths. If visual obstructions can’t be avoided, you should install lights, signs, or arrows that lead people to where an extinguisher is located.
Have more questions about commercial fire extinguishers? Contact Foothill Fire Protection online or call (916) 663-3582 today.
