CSLB #976500 · State Fire Marshal #E2390 · Title 19 Certified
24/7 Emergency: (877) 256-0161NFPA 10 & Title 19 Certified
California-Compliant Annual Inspection & Maintenance We provide annual fire extinguisher inspection and tagging to fully meet California Title 19 requirements. Our certified technicians ensure your equipment is ready when you need it, providing the proper documentation to keep your business protected and inspection-ready year-round.
In California, every portable fire extinguisher must be maintained at least once a year by a concern licensed by the State Fire Marshal, and carry a State Fire Marshal tag that shows who did the work and when (Title 19 §575.1 and §596.1). SOS Fire Services (State Fire Marshal license E2390, CSLB 976500) inspects and tags extinguishers on site across Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and San Bernardino counties. See how often each service is due.
California Compliance
Under California Code of Regulations Title 19, Section 575.1, every portable fire extinguisher must be maintained at least once a year by a concern licensed by the State Fire Marshal. This is not optional: it is required by California law.
Every 12 months, each extinguisher must receive a thorough examination by a certified technician.
Proper certification tags and service records must be maintained for Fire Marshal inspections.
Only a State Fire Marshal licensed concern, using technicians who hold a State Fire Marshal certificate of registration, may service and tag extinguishers.
Complete physical inspection of all extinguishers
Pressure gauge verification and testing
Weight check to ensure proper agent level
Seal and tamper indicator verification
Operating instructions visibility check
Mounting bracket and signage inspection
New certification tag with license number
Service report for your records
Recommendations for replacements if needed
Reminder scheduling for next inspection
Every extinguisher receives a comprehensive examination following NFPA 10 standards and California Title 19 requirements.
Inspect for physical damage, corrosion, leakage, and clogged nozzles.
We check the cylinder, hose, nozzle and label, and that the operating instructions face outward.
Confirm gauge reading is within operational range.
On units with a gauge. Carbon dioxide (CO2) units have no gauge and are checked by weight.
Verify extinguishing agent has not leaked or depleted.
Each unit is weighed and compared with the weight on its label.
Ensure safety seal is intact and pull pin is secured.
A new tamper seal goes on after service.
Confirm proper mounting height and visibility signage.
We also check that the unit is reachable and not blocked. See the placement rules.
Apply new certification tag with inspector credentials.
The tag is punched with the service date and signed. A unit that was recharged or internally maintained also gets a verification-of-service collar.
Each extinguisher that passes inspection receives complete certification and documentation for your records and Fire Marshal compliance.
Dated annual tag identifying the technician and inspection date.
Detailed documentation for your fire safety files.
Your report lists each unit, its location and type, what was done and what failed.
Clear indication of when your next service is required.
While we handle the annual certification, owners are required to perform a quick "visual check" every month. We train your staff on exactly what to look for keeping you compliant and protected year-round.
Staff training on monthly visual checks
Compliance checklist provided
Year-round protection assurance
California sets out what an annual maintenance tag must say, how big it is, and who may attach it (Title 19 §596.1–596.6). A tag that is missing an item, or was attached by someone who did not do the work, is not a valid tag. Every annual maintenance tag must show:
The "E" number belongs to the company: it is the State Fire Marshal license of the concern, for each place of business. The "EE" number belongs to the technician: it is their personal certificate of registration. A valid tag carries both. Ours shows license E2390.
When an extinguisher is recharged or internally maintained, a verification-of-service collar goes around the neck of the cylinder, under the valve, so it cannot come off without removing the valve. It shows the license number, the month and year, and the technician's EE number. Carbon dioxide and cartridge-operated units are exempt. A hydrostatic test leaves a separate label on the cylinder with the test month, year and pressure. None of these may be red.
California uses a different tag color each year.
It doesn't. The only color rule is that annual tags, collars and hydrostatic labels may not be red.
You can buy tags and tag your own extinguishers.
A tag may only be attached by the person who performed or supervised the service. Monthly checks are yours to do; the annual tag is not.
The punched date is when the tag expires.
It is the date of service. The next annual maintenance is due within 12 months of it.
A red tag is just an old tag.
A red tag marked "Condemned" means the extinguisher has been taken out of service and must not stay on the wall.
Every unit that does not pass is listed in your report with the reason, and we tell you on the spot what it needs.
An annual tag does not cover an overdue six-year maintenance or hydrostatic test. If either is due, it is done before the unit is tagged. Received a notice from your fire department? See Fire Code Violation Correction.
Beyond annual inspections, fire extinguishers require periodic maintenance at specific intervals.
Visual inspection by building personnel. Check pressure, accessibility, and physical condition.
Professional inspection and maintenance with certification tag. Required by California law.
Internal maintenance and recharge for stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test.
Hydrostatic pressure test of the cylinder, every 5 or 12 years depending on the extinguisher type. See Hydrostatic Testing.
An expired or missing tag is one of the first things a fire inspector checks, and it can lead to a citation and a reinspection. Our licensed technicians ensure you're always compliant.
Full intervals by extinguisher type are on our Fire Extinguisher Services page.
Title 19 asks the owner or a staff member to check each extinguisher at least once a month and record it.
Our FAQ explains where the monthly record can be kept.
We quote every site in writing, by the unit. What moves the price:
We can put several locations on one annual schedule, with one account.
Ten items, set by Title 19 §596.1: the State Fire Marshal "Do not Remove" line, the concern's name, location, license (E) number and type, a service or new-extinguisher block, the service date, the technician's registration (EE) number, the State Fire Marshal seal, a signature line and a local phone number. See how to read the tag above.
No. California does not change tag colors by year. Title 19 §596.2 only says annual tags, verification-of-service collars and hydrostatic test labels may not be red.
No. Under Title 19 §596.6, a tag may only be attached by the person who performed or supervised the service, working for a State Fire Marshal licensed concern. You can, and should, do the monthly visual check yourself.
A ring fitted around the neck of the cylinder, under the valve, when an extinguisher is recharged or internally maintained. It cannot be removed without taking the valve off, so it shows the unit was opened and serviced. Carbon dioxide and cartridge-operated units are exempt.
No. The annual tag covers the annual maintenance. Six-year maintenance and hydrostatic testing have their own dates and markings; if either is due, it has to be done before the unit is tagged.
About 30 to 40 minutes for 10 extinguishers. You don't need to stop work: we service the extinguishers at our van, parked at your site.
Yes. With your permission, we email, call or text you before your next annual inspection is due.
Verified reviews
Overall customer rating: 5.0/5 from 151 Google and Yelp reviews.
I called for service and spoke with Ashley. She was very nice and helpful and sent Juan to service our fire protection units. Juan did an excellent job and was very professional. I highly recommend their services to everyone!
Maureen and the SOS team are professional, prompt and knowledgeable! We have been working with the team for years and they do an amazing job making sure our business needs met in a timely manner ! Thank you !
Zohar and his team are the best. And they guarantee their work. I 100% recommend the SOS team for any type of fire services.
We work with Zohar for our business and he is professional, prompt & dependable - highly recommend!
Definitely recommended! The customer service is super nice and understanding. And my fire service technician Brandon is just wonderful! I'm a new owner for a previous operating business, and he explained to me all the details, the logistics while patiently checking and updating my system. 10/10 experience!
5 Stars to your technician Mike !!! He came by my family's business today and this man truly is getting his job done and all with a smile ! I've had another company which I won't name , that I had a horrible experience with and I'm glad I decided to change to SOS fire protection . We need more people as friendly as him in this world , thank you Mike!
Our work
Jobs we completed for this service. Every card names the city where the work was done.
A facility-wide walkthrough, a mix of 5 lb and 10 lb ABC extinguishers sized to each hazard, location signage, and the itemized report the client's insurer asked for.
Annual service for 23 extinguishers across a commercial property: 15 inspected and re-tagged, 4 given their 6-year internal maintenance, and 4 new units added where coverage was missing.
We provide on-site service in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and San Bernardino counties. Share your service address and equipment details so we can confirm the work and coordinate a visit. Emergency dispatch is arranged by phone.
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Title 19 requires every extinguisher to be inspected and tagged each year. We tag on site and leave the paperwork with you.
