Fire Extinguishers in Multi-Tenant Buildings

Opening question: In a multi-tenant building, who is responsible for ensuring every space is protected with the right portable fire extinguishers, placed correctly, and maintained to code—and how can property teams prevent a small oversight from becoming a costly disaster?

If you manage an office complex, a multi-tenant residential building, or a mixed-use development, you already know the complexity: dozens of tenants, varying layouts, shared corridors, utility rooms, stairwells, and common spaces. When it comes to fire extinguishers, a multi-tenant setting is rarely a “one size fits all” scenario. The challenge is not only to meet baseline safety standards but to design a practical, auditable plan that works across floors, units, and occupancy types. In this article, we unpack the regulatory landscape, translate it into actionable requirements, and provide an implementation blueprint you can adapt to most mid- to high-density multi-tenant properties.

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Why multi-tenant buildings demand a sharper extinguisher strategy

Multi-tenant properties present four distinct risk and logistics factors:

• Fragmented occupancy: Different tenants with different fire hazards (electronics manufacturing in one unit, a yoga studio in another, and a café on a third). Each space contributes its own class of fire risk.
• Shared infrastructure: Common corridors, stairwells, lobbies, mechanical rooms, and elevator lobbies where extinguishers must be accessible to occupants and visitors alike.
• Variable tenancy cycles: Tenants come and go, requiring a dynamic plan for relocating or resizing extinguisher coverage without compromising safety.
• Mixed vertical layout: High-rise and mid-rise configurations demand per-floor considerations, including extinguishers adjacent to stairwells or at entry points to exits, especially for high-rise units.

The right approach is proactive: plan placement, maintain accessibility, and ensure ongoing compliance through regular inspections and maintenance. Below we break down the regulatory anchors, the practical design steps, and the ongoing management routines that separate a compliant building from a fire safety liability.

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Regulatory backbone for multi-tenant extinguisher programs

In the United States, portable fire extinguishers in workplaces and common areas are governed by a mix of federal and local regulations. For multi-tenant buildings, the most relevant anchors typically include:

• OSHA requires portable extinguishers to be readily accessible with defined travel distances and ongoing maintenance routines. Specifically, travel distances are established by class (for instance, Class A 75 ft, Class B 50 ft, Class D 75 ft) and facilities must perform monthly visual inspections, annual maintenance, and hydrostatic testing at specified intervals. [OSHA — 1910.157]

[https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.157](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.157)

• California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1922 requires a minimum of one extinguisher rated 2A per 3,000 sq ft, travel distance not to exceed 75 ft, and, in multi-story buildings, at least one extinguisher adjacent to the stairway on each floor. [California Code — Portable Fire Fighting Equipment]

[https://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/1922.html](https://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/1922.html)

• Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 57.4705.5 imposes a specific requirement for high-rise residential units: at least one Class 2A:10B:C portable extinguisher in every high-rise residential unit, mounted adjacent to the main exit (with an exception if the unit is fully sprinklered). [LA Muni Code — Portable Fire Extinguisher Required]

[https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-349791](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-349791)

In addition to these jurisdictional guides, most modern fire safety practice is guided by the NFPA standards, which provide widely adopted benchmarks for selection, placement, and maintenance of portable extinguishers. NFPA 10, the Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, is a key reference for best practices and helps align local rules with industry-wide expectations. [NFPA 10″]
[https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=10](https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=10)

Key takeaways from the regulatory landscape:

• Accessibility and travel distances are central to coverage. OSHA’s framework emphasizes readily accessible extinguishers and defined travel distances by extinguisher class to ensure occupants can reach a extinguisher quickly in an emergency. The same principle recurs in California’s Title 8 and in Los Angeles code for high-rise units. [OSHA 1910.157] [California 1922] [LA 57.4705.5]
• The per-square-foot rule in California (2A per 3,000 sq ft) is a common baseline in multi-tenant properties, but it must be interpreted in the context of floor layouts, means of egress, and occupancy type. [California 1922]
• Local additions (like LA’s specific high-rise unit requirement) can create strong differences between neighboring buildings even within the same city. Build plans should reflect the most stringent applicable rules to ensure overall compliance. [LA Muni Code 57.4705.5]
• A standards-based framework (NFPA 10) guides the practice across jurisdictions, offering a consistent lens through which to view placement, inspection, maintenance, and testing. [NFPA 10]

To connect these dots in practice, property managers should begin by mapping the building’s occupancy mix, floor-by-floor layout, and egress routes, then layer on the exact distances and sizing dictated by the jurisdiction in which the building sits. The next sections translate those high-level rules into actionable design and maintenance steps that work for a typical mid- to high-density multi-tenant property.

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The anatomy of extinguishers for multi-tenant buildings

Before you design placement, you need a solid grounding in what extinguishers are appropriate for the space and what the typical classifications imply.

• Class A extinguishers: For ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, textiles). Generally, you’ll see water-based or multi-purpose dry chemical versions sized in 2.5, 5, or 10 lbs, depending on area and hazard level.
• Class B extinguishers: For flammable liquids (gasoline, oils). These are often CO2, dry chemical, or ABC multipurpose; sizing tends to be 5 lb or larger where liquid hazards are present.
• Class C extinguishers: Electrical fires (energized electrical equipment). In practice, many multipurpose extinguishers (ABC) cover Class C hazards as well.
• Class D extinguishers: Metal fires (alkali metals, titanium, potassium). These are less common in typical office and residential settings but are essential in certain lab or manufacturing spaces.
• K extinguishers: Kitchens (hot oils). In multi-tenant buildings with shared kitchens or food service areas, K-rated extinguishers may be warranted.

In most multi-tenant office and residential buildings, ABC multipurpose extinguishers (rated 2A:10B:C or similar) cover the majority of hazards. The exact mix should be guided by the hazard assessment of each tenant space and the building’s common areas. For high-risk spaces (e.g., server rooms, mechanical rooms, kitchens in common areas), you may require enhanced suppression or additional extinguisher classes or types.

Extinguisher class	Typical use	Common sizes in multi-tenant buildings	Key placement note
A (water/foam)	Ordinary combustibles	2.5–10 lb	Good for general floor areas and corridors; avoid placing where water damage could occur
B (dry chemical/CO2)	Flammable liquids	5–20 lb	Watch for visibility and access in kitchens and mechanical rooms
C	Electrical fires	ABC or CO2-rated	Usually covered by ABC multipurpose units
D	Metal fires	Varies by hazard	Specialty use; typically not in standard office or residential common areas
K	Kitchen oils	6–10 liter/large	If you have commercial kitchen spaces, include in the plan

Cited standards and codes emphasize the need for properly rated extinguishers and accessible placement within defined travel distances. The NFPA framework supports selecting the right class and size for the anticipated hazard profile, reinforcing that a well-designed multi-tenant plan isn’t just about “more extinguishers” but about “the right extinguishers in the right places.” [NFPA 10]

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Planning extinguisher placement for multi-tenant layouts

A well-planned layout will balance accessibility, visibility, and coverage while accounting for tenant turnover and maintenance logistics. The steps below outline a practical approach.

1) Conduct a hazard and occupancy survey

• Map every tenant space and common area.
• Note the primary fire hazards in each space (e.g., electronics, kitchens, mechanical areas).
• Identify high-risk corridors, access routes, and stairwells.

2) Establish coverage per space type

• Determine minimum coverage per floor based on occupancy and area.
• Apply travel distances per jurisdiction (see the regulatory anchors earlier) and adjust for actual floor layout (dead zones, long corridors, large open spaces).

3) Decide on per-floor or per-tenant distribution

• Common-area extinguishers: Place near exits, in corridors, and at logical egress points.
• Tenant-area extinguishers: Provide where hazards exist and ensure access without crossing a doorway with heavy traffic.

4) Integrate stairwell access requirements

• In many jurisdictions, extinguishers must be located adjacent to stairs on each floor or at the top/bottom of the stairs. This is a critical factor in high-rise or multi-story residential components.

5) Plan signage, visibility, and mounting height

• Ensure extinguishers are mounted at accessible heights (often 3 feet to 5 feet above floor depending on local code) and clearly marked with signage.
• Use tamper-evident seals for new units and ensure visibility from the main route of travel.

6) Prepare for tenant turnover

• Create a flexible plan: extinguishers should be relocatable or re-marked for new tenants without requiring full repackaging.
• Include a change-management workflow so there’s a clear path when tenants move in or out.

7) Align with maintenance and inspection cycles

• Tie placements to inspection schedules; ensure the same extinguisher is not on a date when access is restricted due to tenant activities.

8) Document the plan in a formal layout

• Produce an “extinguisher plan” drawing or map for facility management, building code review, and fire department acceptance.

9) Factor in special occupancy needs

• If you have a high-density residential component, you will often see different placement rules per unit vs common areas.
• If a kitchen or lab exists in the building per tenant, ensure kitchen or lab-specific extinguishers meet the appropriate class K or D requirements as needed.

While the exact distances and class requirements vary by jurisdiction, the goal remains: eliminate “dead zones” and ensure a direct, unobstructed path to a extinguisher from any point in publicly accessible areas. The following practical section outlines a sample approach that aligns with the regulatory anchors and is adaptable across many multi-tenant properties.

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Practical placement patterns: a starter plan for a mid-rise, mixed-tenant building

This example demonstrates a practical framework you can tailor for your building. It is not a substitute for a site-specific design, but it helps illustrate how to translate rules into a layout that a property team can implement and maintain.

• Floors with long corridors (greater than 75 ft in travel distance): Place extinguishers at every 50–75 ft interval along the corridor to ensure no occupant is farther than the maximum travel distance for Class B or A hazards, depending on the local code. This approach helps cover high-traffic corridors with a small number of extinguishers while maintaining visibility and access.
• Near primary exits: Place extinguishers within 10–20 ft of the main exit doors along corridors to ensure immediate access during egress or when evacuations start.
• Adjacent to stairwells: In most multi-story designs, place extinguishers adjacent to stairwells on each floor, ensuring occupants can access extinguishers from both the corridor and the stairs. This placement logic is reinforced in the Los Angeles high-rise code requirement. [LA Muni Code 57.4705.5]
• Common areas and lobbies: Install extinguishers in clear line of sight in lobbies, near elevators, and at strategic points in shared amenity spaces.
• Mechanical rooms and electrical spaces: Provide extinguishers with appropriate ratings (typical ABC) in or immediately outside mechanical and electrical rooms, ensuring clear access for building staff and contractors.
• Kitchens and food service areas: If the building includes a shared or tenant-based kitchen, include K-rated extinguishers where appropriate and ensure placement complies with local regulations for food service areas.
• Tenant fit-out considerations: For new tenants, provide standard extinguisher locations that comply with the baseline plan and adjust per lease agreements. Ensure that any tenant modifications do not block access or create conflicts with egress.

One important reality: the exact number and placement depend on your building’s floor plan, occupancy mix, and jurisdiction. The table below sketches a generalized coverage framework you can adjust.

Space type	Typical coverage considerations	Example placement pattern	Related regulatory touchstone
Public corridors	Ensure every segment within travel distance; clearly visible	Extinguishers every 50–75 ft along corridors; near corners	OSHA travel-distance guidance; CA 2A per 3,000 sq ft guideline
Stairwells (each floor)	Accessibility from both floors and hallway; away from doors that may block egress	Adjacent to stairs on each floor; near the main exit	OSHA, CA 1922, LA 57.4705.5
Lobbies and main entry points	Quick access for larger crowds; signage and mounting height	1–2 extinguishers in each larger lobby	OSHA and NFPA alignment
Mechanical/equipment rooms	High-risk spaces; ensure use of appropriate class and placement	Outside or just outside mechanical rooms	NFPA 10 alignment (class selection)
Kitchen/food service	Kitchen-specific hazards; standards may require K-rated extinguishers	Near kitchen entrances and within service areas	NFPA 10 guidance and local codes
Tenant fit-outs	Individual hazards per tenant; ensure coverage is consistent	Tenant-specified locations that still meet overall coverage	Local requirements; NFPA 10 guidance

This framework creates a starting point, but you should always tailor it to your building’s layout and code requirements. The NFPA standard for portable extinguishers provides a robust reference for determining where to place extinguishers, how to size them, and how to maintain them over time. [NFPA 10]

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Inspection, testing, and maintenance: keeping coverage live

Even the best extinguisher layout is only as good as the maintenance behind it. The primary maintenance cycle for portable extinguishers consists of monthly visual inspections, annual maintenance checks, and periodic hydrostatic testing. Here’s how to operationalize that in a multi-tenant context.

• Monthly visual inspections (self-inspections and building staff)
• Confirm the extinguisher is present, unobstructed, mounted correctly, and labeled with current inspection tags.
• Check for obvious signs of damage, corrosion, leakage, or weight changes—any anomalies require immediate servicing.
• Ensure tamper seals are intact and the pressure gauge is in the operable range (if applicable).

• Annual maintenance (professional service)
• A licensed technician performs a thorough inspection, checks the internal condition of the extinguisher, and ensures discharge cordage and pressure are proper.
• The service includes a recalibration of pressure testing, a sign-off on the extinguisher’s service tag, and recommendations for any needed replacements.
• Documentation is updated and stored for compliance audits.

• Hydrostatic testing (intervals vary by extinguisher type)
• Hydrostatic testing verifies the integrity of the extinguisher cylinder under pressure. The testing interval depends on the extinguisher type and the manufacturer’s specification, typically ranging from 5 to 12 years.
• It’s essential to track the exact date for each unit so you don’t miss a required test. Non-compliant extinguishers can be discharged or removed from service, creating a safety gap.

• Recordkeeping and audit readiness
• Maintain a centralized log, including serial numbers, locations, last inspection date, last maintenance date, hydrostatic test dates, and the person or company responsible for each activity.
• Prepare for inspections by keeping a master map of extinguisher placements and a list of all extinguishers by unit and floor.

Citations and standards underpin these maintenance practices: OSHA requires monthly visual inspections, annual maintenance, and hydrostatic testing at specified intervals. California’s Title 8, Section 1922 expands on the minimals and adds floor-by-floor considerations, while LA’s code adds unit-based placement requirements in high-rise residential buildings. [OSHA 1910.157] [California 1922] [LA 57.4705.5] NFPA 10 also provides the overarching framework for maintenance and replacement timelines. [NFPA 10]

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A concrete implementation plan for property teams

To translate the above into a deliverable program, here is a practical 8-step plan you can adapt for a typical multi-tenant property.

1) Assemble a cross-functional team

• Facility managers, property operations, building engineers, resident/tenant coordinators, and a fire protection contractor (for the professional maintenance perspective).
• Establish a single owner for the extinguisher program—someone who maintains the schedule, coordinates between tenants, and ensures compliance.

2) Conduct a baseline assessment

• Inventory all extinguishers by floor and by unit; note type, size, location, mounting height, and current inspection tag status.
• Map out egress routes, stairwells, and entry/exit points to ensure all potential paths to extinguishers are accessible.

3) Define the required coverage

• Use the jurisdiction’s rules (OSHA, CA, LA) to set the minimum per-occupancy requirements and per-floor floor plan constraints.
• Identify any locations that require additional units due to high-risk hazards (kitchens, electrical rooms, commercial spaces).

4) Create a floor-by-floor extinguisher layout plan

• For each floor, place extinguishers at defined intervals in corridors, near exits, and adjacent to stairwells on each floor.
• Ensure visibility and unobstructed access; consider a digital plan or laminated floor map in a building operations room.

5) Draft a standard operating procedure (SOP)

• Define the routine for monthly visual inspections, annual maintenance, and mandated hydrostatic testing.
• Include a process for relocating extinguishers during tenant changes and for updating the extinguisher map accordingly.

6) Implement a labeling and signage strategy

• Use consistent labeling (color-coded or symbol-based) that aligns with NFPA 10 and local requirements.
• Ensure extinguishers are mounted at the appropriate height and maintain clear sight lines.

7) Establish a tenant-coordination protocol

• Notify tenants in advance of any planned changes to extinguishers within their spaces.
• Create a simple intake process for tenants to request changes or report issues.

8) Monitor, review, and refine

• Schedule quarterly reviews of the extinguisher program, focusing on changes in tenancy, occupancy loads, or building modifications.
• Update the extinguisher map and maintenance plan as required by changes in occupancy or layout.

This implementation plan is designed to be practical, auditable, and adaptable. It also aligns with the regulatory requirements described earlier and supports ongoing safety improvements as your building’s tenancy and configuration evolve.

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Common mistakes to avoid (with quick checks)

• Missing or misplacing extinguishers in per-floor stairwell zones, thereby violating per-floor proximity requirements.
• Blocking extinguishers with furniture or signage, or placing them behind doors or in concealed spaces.
• Using the wrong extinguisher class for a given hazard (e.g., using Class A-only extinguishers in spaces with significant liquid hazards).
• Failing to maintain up-to-date inspection tags or neglecting to perform monthly checks.
• Not coordinating with tenants on changes, leading to accidental relocation or removal of extinguishers.
• Inconsistent per-floor coverage that leaves long, unprotected stretches in corridors or near the main egress paths.
• Inadequate documentation and lack of an auditable record trail for inspections, maintenance, and hydrostatic testing.

Pro-tip: Build a single, auditable extinguisher “health” scorecard. Each unit receives a quick 5-point check during monthly visuals: presence, accessibility, mounting height, unobstructed path, and inspection tag validity. This simple approach makes compliance easy to demonstrate to inspectors and fire marshals.

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Real-world lenses: case studies in multi-tenant environments

Case Study 1: High-rise residential building in a dense urban center

• Challenge: A 25-story mixed-use building with 180 residential units and multiple commercial tenants faced inconsistent extinguisher coverage across floors, with several units lacking proximity to exits.
• Action: A comprehensive layout and hazard survey were performed; per-floor placement was standardized, including extinguishers adjacent to each stairwell and at the ends of long corridors. Tenant-owned spaces were standardized to maintain consistent coverage. A new SOP for monthly inspections and annual maintenance was implemented; hydrostatic testing was scheduled with a preferred vendor.
• Outcome: Coverage gaps were closed, inspection tags remained current, and the fire marshal reported improved compliance during routine audits. The building’s safety posture improved, with faster occupant access to extinguishers and a clearer egress strategy during drills.

Case Study 2: Multi-tenant office campus with shared amenities

• Challenge: An office campus spanning three interconnected buildings required a unified extinguisher plan across tenants that had distinct space configurations and occupant loads.
• Action: A centralized extinguisher program was rolled out, including standardized placement guidelines, a floor-by-floor extinguisher map, and cross-tenant signage. Tenant fit-outs were guided to align with the campus-wide plan, ensuring uniform coverage even as tenants moved in and out.
• Outcome: The campus benefited from consistent coverage and easier maintenance. The property team dramatically reduced delays in inspections and improved overall safety metrics across all tenants.

These real-world illustrations underscore the value of a well-designed extinguisher program in multi-tenant settings: consistent coverage, clear accountability, and streamlined maintenance.

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Quick reference: regulatory anchors, now at a glance

• OSHA 1910.157: Portable Fire Extinguishers
• Requirements: readily accessible extinguishers; defined travel distances (Class A 75 ft, Class B 50 ft, Class D 75 ft); monthly visual inspections; annual maintenance; hydrostatic testing at defined intervals. [OSHA 1910.157]

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.157

• California (Title 8, Section 1922): Portable Fire Fighting Equipment
• Requirements: minimum of one extinguisher rated 2A per 3,000 sq ft; travel distance not to exceed 75 ft; on multi-story buildings, at least one extinguisher adjacent to the stairway on each floor. [California 1922]

https://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/1922.html

• Los Angeles Municipal Code (Sec. 57.4705.5): Portable Fire Extinguisher Required
• Requirements: at least one Class 2A:10B:C extinguisher in every high-rise residential unit, mounted adjacent to the main exit; exception if the unit is fully sprinklered. [LA Muni Code 57.4705.5]

https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-349791

• NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
• Guidance for selection, placement, and maintenance of portable extinguishers; widely referenced in code development and compliance programs. [NFPA 10]

https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=10

These anchors anchor the practical design and maintenance steps above, ensuring your multi-tenant extinguisher program is not only safe but also defensible in audits and inspections.

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A focused note on 48Fire Protection services

As you plan or refine your multi-tenant extinguisher program, 48Fire Protection offers end-to-end support to keep your building compliant, safe, and ready for routine inspections.

• Comprehensive extinguisher program management
• Inventory, placement verification, and relocation planning when tenants change
• Regular inspections and maintenance coordination
• Monthly visual inspections, annual maintenance service by licensed technicians, and documentation management
• Hydrostatic testing planning and execution
• Scheduling, coordination with certified test facilities, and record-keeping for all cylinders
• Hazard assessment and layout design
• Floor-by-floor evaluation, hazard mapping, and extinguisher placement plans aligned with OSHA, CA, and LA requirements
• Tenant coordination and training
• Clear communication with tenants about extinguisher locations and maintenance windows; in-building training and awareness programs
• Signage, mounting, and labeling optimization
• Consistent mounting heights, visibility, and compliance-ready labeling
• Compliance audits and documentation
• Prepared reports, inspection logs, and ready-to-submit documentation for fire department review or regulatory audits

Why work with 48Fire Protection? We bring deep expertise in multi-tenant environments, a disciplined approach to regulatory alignment, and a proven track record in keeping high-rise and mixed-use properties safe and compliant. Our team specializes in tailoring extinguishers programs to the exact occupancy mix, floor plans, and maintenance cycles that characterize multi-tenant buildings, reducing risk, and increasing occupant safety without slowing down tenancy turnover.

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The big win: how proper extinguisher programs drive safety and value

Investing in a robust extinguisher program yields tangible benefits:

• Improved occupant safety: Quick access to extinguishers in everyday spaces reduces response times and improves safety outcomes for the people who rely on them.
• Regulatory confidence: A well-documented program aligned with OSHA, CA, and LA requirements stands up to audits and fire department inspections.
• Operational efficiency: Centralized scheduling and standardized placement reduce administrative overhead and simplify tenant onboarding.
• Property value and leaseability: Tenants value safety-first properties, and a well-maintained extinguisher program signals a commitment to safety that can support lease terms and occupancy stability.

In multi-tenant environments, safety is not only about the courage of occupants during a fire but about reducing the probability of escalation. A small improvement—such as placing extinguishers at the right distances, with proper maintenance, and clear labeling—can prevent injuries and limit property damage.

Citations in practice: the requirement for accessible extinguishers and scheduled maintenance is anchored in OSHA 1910.157, with California and Los Angeles variations that refine placement (such as per-floor stairwell adjacency) and unit-based requirements, while NFPA 10 provides the technical framework for extinguisher selection, placement, and maintenance cycles. [OSHA 1910.157] [California 1922] [LA 57.4705.5] [NFPA 10]

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Final call to action

If you’re managing a multi-tenant building and want to ensure your extinguisher program is robust, compliant, and optimized for tenant turnover and everyday safety, 48Fire Protection can help. We provide a full spectrum of extinguisher services—from initial hazard mapping and layout planning to ongoing inspections, maintenance, hydrostatic testing, and compliance documentation. Our team works with property managers, building owners, and tenants to implement practical, code-compliant solutions that stand up to real-world conditions.

[Contact 48Fire Protection](/contact-us)