Is Your Fire Protection Keeping Up With Your Building’s Changes?

As commercial buildings grow and change, so do their fire risks. Whether it’s a new tenant, a shift in business operations, or a renovation, these changes can significantly alter the types of fire hazards present. A recent article by Danielle Felch in Facility Executive underscores why fire protection strategies — especially portable fire extinguishers — must evolve alongside your building’s usage. 🔗 Read the full article

At Homer Fire Protection, we work with building owners and facilities managers across Northern Virginia to ensure that every extinguisher is properly matched to its environment. Here’s what you need to know:

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Why Extinguisher Updates Matter

In mixed-use or multi-tenant buildings, different spaces can have very different fire risks. For example:

• A restaurant requires extinguishers suited for cooking oils (Class K).

• A nail salon needs coverage for flammable chemicals (Class B).

• A laundromat introduces dust and fabric hazards (Class A).

It’s not uncommon for tenants to change or expand, introducing new materials and equipment. These changes may render the current fire extinguishers ineffective — or even dangerous — if not updated accordingly.

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Conducting a Fire Risk Review

The foundation of effective fire protection is a fire risk review — a walk-through conducted by a trained fire protection specialist. This review:

• Identifies new hazards (e.g., chemicals, fabrics, electronics)

• Evaluates existing extinguisher placement and type

• Recommends updates to ensure compliance and full protection

At a minimum, fire risk reviews should be done annually, though high-turnover or high-risk buildings may require more frequent assessments.

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Matching Extinguishers to Hazards

Different classes of fire require different extinguishing agents. Here’s a quick guide:

• Class A – For combustibles like paper, wood, and fabric. (Water or ABC extinguisher)

• Class B – For flammable liquids like oils, solvents, and gasoline. (BC or ABC)

• Class C – For electrical fires. (BC or ABC)

• Class K – For commercial kitchen oils and grease. (Wet chemical extinguisher)

Using the wrong extinguisher can worsen a fire. For instance, using a water-based extinguisher on a grease fire can cause flare-ups or explosions.

It’s also important to consider potential cleanup and equipment damage. For rooms with electronics, a clean agent extinguisher may be preferable to a dry chemical unit to avoid residue that could harm devices.

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Your Legal Responsibility

Property owners are ultimately responsible for extinguisher compliance under NFPA 10:

“The owner or designated agent or occupant of a property in which fire extinguishers are located shall be responsible for inspection, maintenance, and recharging.” — NFPA 10, 7.1.1

Even though tenants may operate the businesses that introduce hazards, owners must ensure that appropriate fire protection is in place.

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3 Steps to Stay Compliant and Protected

1. Know who’s responsible
   The property owner must oversee extinguisher maintenance and upgrades.

2. Be proactive with reviews
   Schedule a fire risk review during your annual inspection. Identify any changes in building use and assess extinguisher readiness.

3. Work with a trusted provider
   Partner with a fire protection company that understands different hazard types and offers a full range of extinguishers — from ABC units to Class K and clean agent solutions.

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Ready to Review Your Fire Protection Plan?

If you’re a facilities management professional or commercial property owner in Northern Virginia, Homer Fire Protection can help you stay compliant and protected as your building evolves.

📞 Contact Us
📍 6186 Grovedale Ct, Ste 200, Alexandria, VA 22310
📧 info@homerfireprotection.com
🌐 www.homerfireprotection.com
📱 703-646-8290

 

Let’s ensure your extinguishers are ready — no matter how your building changes.