Fire extinguisher service companies
They supply, inspect, maintain, recharge and pressure-test portable fire extinguishers, and tag each unit with the service date. Most also handle Class K (kitchen) extinguishers, extinguisher cabinets and signage, and often staff training. Many also service emergency lighting and kitchen systems on the same visit.
Who needs one
Businesses: almost every commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-unit residential building must have portable extinguishers, sized and placed under NFPA 10 as referenced by the fire code, and keep them serviced. Commercial kitchens also need a Class K unit. Homes: extinguishers are recommended but not required. Rechargeable home units can be serviced by these firms; disposable ones are simply replaced.
How often
Both countries (NFPA 10): monthly visual check, done by the owner or staff and recorded on the tag or electronically. Annual maintenance by a qualified technician. 6-year internal maintenance for stored-pressure dry-chemical units. Hydrostatic test every 12 years for dry chemical and every 5 years for water, CO2, wet chemical (Class K) and foam units. Recharge after any use.
What it costs
Annual maintenance: about US$15–22 per extinguisher (CA$20–30), plus a trip charge or minimum. 6-year maintenance about US$40–60 per unit. 12-year hydrostatic test about US$75–110 per unit. Recharge about US$25–55 depending on agent and size (Serviced Fire Equipment, Florida 2026 pricing; other regions run higher). Many firms quote a per-unit rate plus a base trip fee.
Codes and standards
- Canada
- Selection, installation, inspection and maintenance: NFPA 10, referenced by the NFC and provincial fire codes. Extinguisher ratings and construction are certified to CAN/ULC-S508 and related ULC standards. S508 covers how extinguishers are rated, not how they are serviced.
- United States
- NFPA 10, adopted through the IFC/NFPA 1 and NFPA 101. Ratings: UL 711 and the related UL product standards. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 adds workplace requirements, including employee training where staff are expected to use extinguishers.
Licences and credentials to look for
- Canada
- BC: ASTTBC Registered Fire Protection Technician with the 'EX' designation. Other provinces: certification by the provincial fire marshal or a recognised training program is common (e.g., college extinguisher technician courses, CFAA in some regions). Ask what your province's fire code requires. Membership in the Canadian Fire Safety Association is a plus.
- United States
- Many states license extinguisher companies and technicians through the state fire marshal (e.g., California State Fire Marshal portable extinguisher licence; Texas SFMO extinguisher licence). Look for NAFED membership and the NAFED/ICC Certified Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician credential. Requirements vary a lot between states.
Questions to ask and red flags
- Ask for the technician's licence or certification number (ASTTBC 'EX' in BC, the state fire marshal licence in the US) and make sure it appears on the tag.
- Ask for an itemized per-unit price before they arrive. Red flag: 'you need all new extinguishers' without showing the date, damage or hydro-test due date that requires it.
- Ask whether their minimum or trip fee is waived when they also service your kitchen system or emergency lights on the same visit.
- Ask whether they will check placement and travel distance against NFPA 10, not just tag what is already on the wall.
- Ask whether 6-year and hydro-test work is done in-house or sent out, and how long you will be without the units (do they leave loaners?).
What they install or service: Portable Extinguishers for Business · Home Extinguishers