Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. SOS Fire Services provides both commercial fire extinguisher services and kitchen fire suppression system services. Restaurants and commercial kitchens can schedule inspections, maintenance, repairs and certification through one fire protection provider.

Yes. SOS Fire Services can inspect your existing fire extinguishers and applicable fire suppression equipment, review available service tags and records, and identify equipment that is due or overdue for inspection or maintenance.

Check the tag! Every extinguisher has a service tag punched with the date of the last inspection. If it's been more than 12 months since that date (or if the tag is missing), you are out of compliance.

NFPA 10 is the National Fire Protection Association's standard that rule the selection, installation, inspection, maintenance, and testing of portable fire extinguishers. In California, these standards are enforced by law.

Yes. Send SOS Fire Services a clear copy or photo of the fire department notice or violation. We can review the cited fire protection items, explain what service may be required and help you determine the appropriate next steps.

Yes. SOS Fire Services can inspect the fire suppression system and required fire extinguishers during the same food truck service appointment, helping simplify your fire safety certification and maintenance.

Yes. SOS Fire Services provides fire suppression system and fire extinguisher inspection services for food trucks and mobile kitchens, including rush service for events, festivals and permit requirements. Contact us with your event date and location so we can confirm availability.

We carry common replacement parts and can often make repairs on-site. For major repairs, we'll provide a quote and schedule service as quickly as possible to minimize your downtime.

Fire suppression systems require semi-annual (every 6 months) inspection. Fire extinguishers need annual inspection. We'll set you up on a schedule so you never miss a deadline.

Yes! We offer mobile service throughout LA, Orange, San Fernando valley, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. We'll come to your commissary, storage location, or wherever your truck is parked. You can also bring your truck to our shop.

Yes. When cooking equipment is moved, added or replaced, the existing nozzle coverage should be evaluated. SOS Fire Services can inspect the appliance layout and determine what system adjustments are required according to the applicable system design and manufacturer requirements.

Yes. If the service tag is missing, damaged or shows that service is overdue, SOS Fire Services can inspect the Ansul system, determine its maintenance status and perform the applicable service needed for certification.

SOS Fire Services provides Ansul R-102 inspection, maintenance, repair and recharge services throughout Southern California. Our technicians service commercial kitchen Ansul systems for restaurants, hotels, commissaries and other commercial cooking facilities.

When ownership changes, it is a good idea to verify the current service status and condition of the kitchen fire suppression system and extinguishers, especially if maintenance records are incomplete. SOS Fire Services can inspect the equipment and identify any service or compliance issues that need attention.

SOS Fire Services provides rapid response for commercial fire code violations. Send us a copy or photo of the violation notice so we can review the cited items, determine the required work and schedule the appropriate inspection or repair service.

Yes. SOS Fire Services provides pre-inspection fire safety evaluations for restaurants and commercial kitchens. We can review fire extinguishers and kitchen fire suppression equipment, identify potential deficiencies and recommend corrections before your scheduled fire department inspection.

SOS Fire Services designs and installs commercial kitchen fire suppression systems for new restaurants and restaurant build-outs throughout Southern California. We service and install major system brands and can assist with the fire protection portion of your project from design and installation through testing and certification.

SOS Fire Services can inspect the existing commercial kitchen fire suppression system, extinguishers and available service records to determine their current condition and identify overdue maintenance or deficiencies. This is especially helpful when taking over an existing restaurant where the previous service history is unclear.

Commercial kitchen hood suppression systems require semi-annual (every 6 months) inspections per NFPA 96. We file the required reports with the fire marshal and provide certification tags.

By law (NFPA 96 & Title 19), commercial kitchen systems must be inspected and tagged semi-annually (every 6 months) by a licensed technician.

We offer 24-hour emergency response for fire code violations. We'll inspect your systems, make necessary repairs, and provide documentation to satisfy the fire department and fire marshal.

UL-300 is the modern safety standard for kitchen fire suppression. Older systems ('dry chem') can't handle the high heat of vegetable oils used in modern fryers. If your system was installed before 1994, it likely needs an upgrade to meet insurance and fire marshal codes.

Yes, we're authorized to service Ansul, Pyro-Chem, Buckeye, and CaptiveAire systems. We can also perform UL 300 upgrades on older systems.

Absolutely. We schedule inspections during off-peak hours and can service multiple locations in a single visit to minimize disruption to your operations.

Every 6 months. Fusible links are the heat sensors that trigger your system. Over time, grease buildup and heat fatigue weaken them, which is why replacement during your semi-annual inspection is mandatory.

Yes. After applicable inspection and service, SOS Fire Services can provide service documentation for your records, insurance company, property manager or other requesting party. Contact us if your insurer requires a specific form or document.

Possibly. Moving or replacing fryers, ranges, griddles or other cooking appliances can affect nozzle positioning and fire suppression coverage. SOS Fire Services can inspect the new appliance layout and determine whether nozzles, piping or other system components need to be adjusted to maintain proper protection.

SOS Fire Services is a trusted provider of restaurant hood system cleaning across Southern California, including LA, Orange, and Ventura counties, ensuring your exhaust system meets NFPA 96 standards.

A UL-300 hood system is a wet chemical fire suppression system designed to extinguish hotter burning vegetable oil fires. It is mandatory for all commercial kitchens in Los Angeles to meet insurance and NFPA 96 standards.

We aim to minimize downtime. We offer flexible scheduling, including early mornings or off-hours, so we can test and tag your system without interrupting your lunch or dinner rush.

Call us immediately. Do not attempt to clean the chemical yourself without guidance. We provide emergency recharge services to flush the lines, refill the tanks, and reset the gas valve so you can reopen quickly.

UL 300 is the modern safety standard for kitchen fire suppression. If you are still using an older dry-chemical system, you are required to upgrade to a Wet Chemical system to comply with current laws and insurance policies. We specialize in these upgrades.

According to NFPA 96 and California Fire Code, commercial kitchen systems must be inspected and certified semi-annually (every 6 months). Failure to do so can result in fines and insurance cancellation.

Per NFPA 96, kitchen fire suppression systems must be inspected every 6 months by a certified technician.

UL 300 is the current standard for kitchen fire suppression systems, requiring wet chemical agents.

Scheduling options depend on location and service requirements. SOS Fire Services works with commercial customers to arrange service times that minimize disruption to business operations. Contact our office to discuss early-morning, evening or other scheduling needs.

SOS Fire Services provides commercial fire extinguisher inspection, certification and maintenance for schools, educational facilities and qualifying childcare facilities throughout our Southern California service area. We can coordinate service to minimize disruption to normal operations.

Yes. SOS Fire Services works directly with property managers and management companies to coordinate scheduling, service documentation and recurring fire protection maintenance across managed properties.

Yes. SOS Fire Services can coordinate building-wide fire extinguisher service for apartment communities and multi-building properties. Our technicians can inspect, tag, recharge and identify extinguishers requiring additional maintenance or replacement.

SOS Fire Services provides commercial fire extinguisher inspection, certification and maintenance for apartment communities, HOAs and multi-family properties throughout Southern California. We can service common-area extinguishers and coordinate recurring inspection schedules for property managers.

Yes. SOS Fire Services works with businesses operating multiple locations throughout Southern California. We can coordinate recurring service schedules and documentation across multiple sites to simplify fire protection maintenance.

Yes. SOS Fire Services provides commercial fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance for warehouses, manufacturing facilities and industrial properties. We can evaluate the facility’s extinguisher needs based on its hazards, layout and applicable requirements.

Yes. SOS Fire Services provides annual fire extinguisher inspections, certification, recharge, maintenance, sales and installation for offices and commercial buildings throughout Southern California.

All our technicians are direct employees of SOS Fire Services. They are uniformed, background-checked, and factory-trained. We do not outsource our core inspection and maintenance work, ensuring consistent quality and security for your tenants.

Yes. We carry comprehensive General Liability, Workers' Compensation, and Commercial Auto insurance that meets or exceeds standard property management requirements. We can issue a COI naming your entity as an "Additional Insured" within 24 hours.

We provide a single monthly or quarterly invoice for all your properties. Each invoice includes detailed breakdowns by property, building, and unit. We can also accommodate purchase orders and custom billing cycles.

Absolutely. We provide detailed compliance reports with inspection dates, certifications, and any noted deficiencies. These are perfect for board meetings, insurance audits, or regulatory compliance.

Yes, we service LA, Orange, San Fernando valley, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. We can coordinate schedules to service multiple properties efficiently and provide unified reporting across your entire portfolio.

We provide 24/7 emergency response for all managed properties. Your account manager can be reached directly, and we prioritize response for property management clients.

We maintain a compliance database for all your properties. You'll receive a notification before inspections are due.

Yes. For property management firms and restaurant chains, we offer master service agreements with consolidated monthly billing and a unified online portal to access inspection reports for all your locations.

We are an authorized dealer and service provider for major industry brands, including Amerex, Badger, Ansul, Pyro-Chem, Captive Aire and Buckeye . We use OEM parts to ensure your equipment warranties remain valid.

Yes. SOS Fire Services can inspect your fire extinguishers before a scheduled fire department or fire marshal inspection. We can identify expired tags, damaged or discharged units, maintenance requirements and other extinguisher-related deficiencies so they can be addressed before the official inspection.

The number, type and placement of fire extinguishers depend on your building layout, occupancy and fire hazards. SOS Fire Services can evaluate your commercial location and recommend the appropriate extinguisher coverage based on applicable fire code and safety requirements.

Yes. If an extinguisher cannot be safely serviced or has reached a condition requiring replacement, SOS Fire Services can provide commercial fire extinguisher replacement options. Our technicians can also help ensure the correct extinguisher type, size and placement for your facility.

Yes. SOS Fire Services can inspect and service multiple fire extinguishers during one scheduled visit. Our mobile service trucks are equipped to perform annual inspections, certification, recharging and many required maintenance services on-site, making this convenient for restaurants, offices, warehouses and other commercial facilities.

SOS Fire Services offers same-day fire extinguisher service in many Los Angeles County areas, subject to technician availability. Our mobile service trucks can perform inspections, annual tagging, recharging and many maintenance services directly at your business. For urgent service, contact our office to check current availability.

If your fire extinguisher certification tag has expired, schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible. SOS Fire Services can come to your business, inspect the extinguisher, perform any required maintenance or recharge, and provide a new certification tag when the extinguisher passes service requirements.

SOS Fire Services provides mobile fire extinguisher inspection, certification and tagging for businesses throughout Southern California. Our licensed technicians come directly to your location to inspect and service your extinguishers and provide the required certification tags. We serve businesses throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley, San Bernardino County and surrounding areas.

NFPA 10 and Title 19 require monthly visual inspections and annual professional maintenance for all fire extinguishers. Additionally, a 6-year internal maintenance and 12-year hydrostatic test are required.

While many online retailers sell extinguishers, SOS Fire Services specializes in direct sales and professional installation in Southern California to ensure you buy the correct type and size for your specific hazards and code requirements.

SOS Fire Services provides professional fire extinguisher installation throughout Los Angeles. We ensure all extinguishers are properly mounted, tagged, and compliant with local fire codes and Title 19 regulations.

For most standard dry chemical extinguishers, yes. Our mobile workshop trucks are equipped with closed recovery systems to perform 6-year maintenance and internal breakdown verification at your facility, so you are never left without protection.

Monthly: A quick visual check (you can do this yourself). Annually: A certified inspection by a licensed technician (required by law). Every 6 Years: Internal maintenance/teardown. Every 12 Years: Hydrostatic testing (pressure test).

YES. Even a short burst breaks the seal and lowers the pressure. The powder can settle in the valve and cause a leak. Never put a used extinguisher back on the wall—call us for a recharge immediately.

Fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire they fight: Class A: Trash, wood, paper. Class B: Liquids (gasoline, oil). Class C: Electrical equipment. Class K: Kitchen grease/oil (Crucial for restaurants). Most offices need an 'ABC' extinguisher that covers standard hazards.

You should consider the size and type of your extinguisher, whether you need a surface-mount or recessed cabinet, and if you require a padlock for fire extinguisher protection

Yes. We stock a comprehensive inventory of all fire extinguishers brands and original replacement parts, including hoses, nozzles, gauges, pull pins, and seals for various extinguisher types

Fire extinguishers require annual inspection and certification per Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations.

You can find fully certified technicians at SOS Fire Services. We are CSLB licensed (#976500) and hold the State Fire Marshal Title 19 certification for all fire protection works.

SOS Fire Services is headquartered in Northridge and serves the entire San Fernando Valley and Southern California. We provide thorough kitchen hood system certification, fire extinguisher inspection, and compliance services.

SOS Fire Services offers transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees for all inspections and repairs. We provide free quotes to ensure you get the best value for your compliance needs.

Clean agent systems (like FM-200 or Novec 1230) use waterless gases to suppress fires by absorbing heat or disrupting the chemical reaction. They are safe for sensitive electronics and leave no residue, preventing data loss.

No. FM-200® and Novec 1230™ are waterless agents that suppress a fire without residue and are safe for occupied spaces, which is why they replace sprinklers in server rooms and data centers.

SOS Fire Services offers 24/7 emergency fire protection services. Our technicians are ready to respond to system discharges, gas shut-offs, and critical repairs anytime to keep your business running.

Absolutely. Our fleet is fully stocked and comes to your business. We perform annual inspections, recharging, and 6-year maintenance on-site, saving you the hassle of transporting equipment.

We offer 24/7 emergency service for urgent situations like system discharges, gas shut-offs, or leakages. Call our emergency line for immediate dispatch.

Yes. SOS Fire Services is fully licensed by the CSLB and carries the California State Fire Marshal (Title 19) certification. We are authorized to inspect, tag, and certify fire equipment in Los Angeles, Orange,San Fernando valley, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties.

Yes, we service LA area, Orange, San Fernando valley, San Bernardino and Ventura counties with consistent service standards across all locations. We can coordinate schedules for efficient multi-site coverage.

We service all types of commercial facilities, residential and industrial including office buildings, warehouses, manufacturing plants, retail locations, restaurants, schools, federal buildings data centers and more.

Absolutely. We create customized agreements based on your organization's needs, including volume pricing, guaranteed response times, and flexible terms.

We provide access to compliance dashboards showing inspection status, upcoming service dates, and downloadable documentation for all your locations.

In most cases, we can refill and recharge your existing commercial-grade extinguisher, which is often cheaper than buying a new high-quality unit. We refill Dry Chemical, CO2, and Class K units.

In California, state regulations (Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations) require that all non-residential fire extinguishers must be professionally serviced;

1. Annually (Once per year) by a certified technician
2. Immediately After Use: If the extinguisher is discharged, even partially, it must be serviced and recharged.
3. Monthly: A quick visual inspection is also required monthly and can be performed by the building owner or a designated employee

It depends on your hazard type. Standard offices typically need ABC Dry Chemical extinguishers. Commercial kitchens require Class K extinguishers for grease fires. We can assess your site and recommend the correct coverage.

Absolutely. We maintain certified payroll records and can provide all required prevailing wage documentation for public works projects in California.

Our technicians can obtain necessary security clearances for military and sensitive government facilities. We work with facility security officers to meet all access requirements.

We service Los Angeles, Orange, San Fernando valley, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. For federal contracts outside this area, please contact us to discuss arrangements.

Yes, we are actively registered in SAM.gov (System for Award Management) and maintain current registration status. Our DUNS number and CAGE code are available in our capability statement.

Yes, we accept government purchase orders and can accommodate Net 30 payment terms typical of government contracts. We're familiar with government procurement processes and documentation requirements.

A "Condemned" tag means the cylinder has failed its hydrostatic test or has permanent damage (like corrosion) and is unsafe to use. By law, it cannot be recharged. We can safely dispose of the condemned unit and replace it with a new, code-compliant extinguisher on the spot.

It depends on the hazard. Spray booths and coating operations fall under NFPA 33, industrial dry chemical systems under NFPA 17, and clean agent systems protecting electronics under NFPA 2001. We identify the governing standard during the hazard analysis and engineer the system to it.

Semi-annual inspection and tagging is the requirement your insurer and the local fire authority will hold you to. We schedule the cycle for you and file the documentation after each visit.

Yes. We refill the agent, reset the detection and interlocks, verify the system operates correctly, and re-certify it so you can get back to work. Emergency service runs 24/7.

Yes. We sell most brands and sizes. Please contact our office for rates and brands avalible