Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about fire protection services, compliance requirements, and how we can help your business stay safe and code-compliant.
Where can I get certified fire protection technicians in Los Angeles?
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.
About Us
Best place for grease exhaust cleaning services in Tarzana?
SOS Fire Services serves the entire San Fernando Valley, including Tarzana. We provide thorough grease exhaust cleaning and hood system certification to keep your kitchen safe and compliant.
Service Areas
Where to find competitive pricing for fire protection services in Los Angeles?
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.
Contact Us
Who offers restaurant hood system cleaning in Southern California?
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.
What is UL-300 hood system and why is it important for restaurants in LA?
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.
Will the inspection disrupt my restaurant’s business?
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.
My system discharged accidentally. What should I do?
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.
What is a UL 300 upgrade, and do I need it?
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.
How often does my kitchen fire suppression system need inspection?
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.
Kitchen Fire Suppression
How does clean agent suppression work for server rooms?
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.
Server Room Clean Agent
What are the NFPA standards for fire extinguisher maintenance in Los Angeles?
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.
Where to buy fire extinguishers online in the US?
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.
Where can I get fire extinguisher installation in Los Angeles?
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.
Can you perform 5-year internal inspections on-site?
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.
How do I actually use an extinguisher? (PASS Method)
Just remember P.A.S.S.:
Pull the pin.
Aim at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle.
Sweep from side to side.
How often must extinguishers be inspected?
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).
I used my extinguisher for 2 seconds. Do I really need to recharge it?
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.
Which extinguisher do I need for my business?
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.
Do you sell new fire extinguishers and replacement parts for extinguishers?
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 Extinguisher
Who offers 24/7 fire safety services in Los Angeles?
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.
Do you offer mobile fire extinguisher services?
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.
How quickly can you respond to an emergency?
We offer 24/7 emergency service for urgent situations like system discharges, gas shut-offs, or leakages. Call our emergency line for immediate dispatch.
Are you licensed to perform fire inspections in Los Angeles?
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.
General
What if my system fails inspection?
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.
How often do I need inspection?
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.
Do you come to my location?
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.
Food Truck
Can you handle multiple locations across different 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.
What types of facilities do you service?
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.
Do you offer enterprise service agreements?
Absolutely. We create customized agreements based on your organization's needs, including volume pricing, guaranteed response times, and flexible terms.
How do you handle compliance tracking for multiple sites?
We provide access to compliance dashboards showing inspection status, upcoming service dates, and downloadable documentation for all your locations.
Corporate & Enterprise
Can you refill my fire extinguisher, or do I need to buy a new one?
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.
How often do fire extinguishers need to be serviced in California?
In California, state regulations (Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations) require that all non-residential fire extinguishers must be professionally serviced;
Annually (Once per year) by a certified technician
Immediately After Use: If the extinguisher is discharged, even partially, it must be serviced and recharged.
Monthly: A quick visual inspection is also required monthly and can be performed by the building owner or a designated employee
What type of fire extinguisher do I need for my business?
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.
Fire Extinguisher Services
How often does my kitchen hood system need inspection?
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.
What are the inspection requirements for hood systems?
By law (NFPA 96 & Title 19), commercial kitchen systems must be inspected and tagged semi-annually (every 6 months) by a licensed technician.
What happens if I fail a fire department inspection?
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.
What is UL-300 and why do I need it?
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.
Do you service all brands of suppression systems?
Yes, we're authorized to service Ansul, Pyro-Chem, Buckeye, and CaptiveAire systems. We can also perform UL 300 upgrades on older systems.
Can you coordinate service to minimize kitchen downtime?
Absolutely. We schedule inspections during off-peak hours and can service multiple locations in a single visit to minimize disruption to your operations.
How often should fusible links be changed?
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.
Restaurant & Kitchen
Can you provide prevailing wage documentation?
Absolutely. We maintain certified payroll records and can provide all required prevailing wage documentation for public works projects in California.
Do you have security clearances?
Our technicians can obtain necessary security clearances for military and sensitive government facilities. We work with facility security officers to meet all access requirements.
What's your service coverage area?
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.
Are you registered in SAM.gov?
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.
Do you accept government purchase orders?
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.
Government
Are your technicians employees or subcontractors?
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.
Can you provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for our building?
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.
How does consolidated billing work?
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.
Do you provide reports for HOA meetings or audits?
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.
Can you handle multiple properties in different cities?
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.
What happens if there's an emergency at one of our properties?
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.
How do you track compliance across our properties?
We maintain a compliance database for all your properties. You'll receive a notification before inspections are due.
Do you offer consolidated billing for multiple properties?
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.
Which manufacturers are you authorized to service?
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.
Property Managers
How do I know if my inspection is due?
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.
What is NFPA 10?
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.
Compliance & Regulations
What should I consider when buying a new fire extinguisher cabinet?
You should consider the size and type of your extinguisher, whether you need a surface-mount or recessed cabinet, and if you require a pedlock for fire extinguisher protection
Do you sell fire extinguisher cabinets?
Yes. We sell most brands and sizes. Please contact our office for rates and brands avalible
Fire Extinguisher Cabinet Sale
My fire extinguisher says "Condemned." What does that mean?
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.
Technical & Specific Services
Stay Compliant. Stay Safe.
Don't wait for a violation. Schedule your semi-annual inspection today.
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