What happens during an annual fire extinguisher inspection?

During an annual inspection, a licensed fire protection technician checks pressure and mechanical components, inspects hoses, nozzles, and safety seals, verifies the extinguisher type is correct for the hazard, ensures proper mounting and accessibility, and updates the service tag and documentation. If problems are found, the extinguisher may require repair, recharging, or replacement.

Do businesses in California need annual fire extinguisher inspections?

Yes. Most commercial buildings in California are required to have fire extinguishers inspected annually by a licensed fire protection company to comply with fire code and workplace safety regulations. Escos Fire & Safety provides licensed inspections and certification services to help businesses remain compliant with State Fire Marshal requirements.

What is the 6-year fire extinguisher service?

Stored-pressure fire extinguishers must undergo internal maintenance every six years. During this process the extinguisher is completely emptied, internally inspected, and reassembled with new seals and components as needed. This service ensures the extinguisher will operate properly during an emergency.

When do fire extinguishers need hydrostatic testing?

Hydrostatic testing is required periodically to verify the structural integrity of the cylinder. Typical intervals include five years for CO2 extinguishers and twelve years for many dry chemical extinguishers. Escos Fire & Safety is a DOT-authorized hydrostatic testing facility capable of testing most fire extinguisher types.

Can a fire extinguisher be recharged after use?

Yes. If a fire extinguisher has been discharged, even partially, it should be professionally recharged and inspected immediately to ensure it is ready for future emergencies.

What type of fire extinguisher do most businesses need?

Most commercial facilities use ABC multipurpose fire extinguishers, which can extinguish Class A fires involving ordinary materials like paper or wood, Class B fires involving flammable liquids, and Class C fires involving electrical equipment. A professional inspection can determine the proper extinguisher type for specific hazards.

How many fire extinguishers does a business need?

The number of fire extinguishers required depends on building size, fire hazards present, travel distance to an extinguisher, and local fire code requirements. A fire protection professional can perform a hazard assessment to determine proper extinguisher placement and compliance.

How much does fire extinguisher service cost?

Costs vary depending on the number of extinguishers, the type of service required, travel distance, and required maintenance such as annual inspections, six-year service, or hydrostatic testing. Escos Fire & Safety provides transparent, all-inclusive pricing for inspections and maintenance.

Why choose Escos Fire & Safety for extinguisher service?

Escos Fire & Safety provides licensed State Fire Marshal technicians, NFPA-compliant inspections and certification, fire extinguisher repair, recharge, and hydrotesting services. The company services commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and marine vessels and provides free fire extinguisher training during service visits.

Position

Fire Safety Technician - Level 1

Apply now

Location

Walnut Creek, Ca

Job Type

Full-Time | Entry-Level/Apprentice | On-site

Escos Fire & Safety is seeking a motivated and growth-oriented Fire Protection Technician I to join our team. This is an entry-level field position designed for individuals who are serious about building a long-term career in the fire protection industry.

Technician I will perform inspection, servicing, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers, fire hoses, emergency lighting systems, and related life-safety equipment under the supervision of senior technicians. This position offers hands-on training and a clear path toward licensure, certification, and advancement within the company. Candidates will be expected to obtain a Cal-Fire Portable Extinguisher License Levels 1, 2 & 3 —within 90 days of hire. Training, study materials, and the cost of the application will be provided by the company. In addition, the candidate will be required to complete several online certifications as part of their onboarding and ongoing training.

We are looking for someone who is dependable, mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and committed to developing into a senior technician and beyond. This is not a temporary position. We are looking for individuals seeking a long-term career in the fire protection industry.

Job Summary

Essential Job Functions

(All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.)

Inspect, service, recharge, and maintain portable fire extinguishers in accordance with NFPA and State Fire Marshal regulations.
Assist with inspection, service, and hydrostatic testing of fire hoses.
Perform hydrostatic testing of cylinders and related equipment.
Inspect, replace, and test emergency exit lighting and related components.
Identify deficiencies, hazards, and non-compliant conditions; report findings accurately.
Maintain accurate service documentation and inspection reports.
Follow all OSHA, NFPA, CAL-FIRE, and company safety protocols.
Assist senior technicians with kitchen fire suppression system inspections and service.
Maintain shop cleanliness, organization, and equipment readiness.
Open and close shop as assigned.
Safely lift and transport equipment (up to 40 lbs regularly).
Represent Escos professionally at customer locations.

Education and Experience
- High school diploma or GED.
- Mechanical aptitude and interest in field service work.
- Prior experience in construction, mechanical trades, or fire protection preferred but not required.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Licenses and Certifications
- Valid California Driver’s License (required) and means of transportation.
- Must obtain California State Fire Marshal Portable Fire Extinguisher License within six (6) months of hire (company-supported).
Knowledge of:
- Basic hand tools and mechanical systems.
- Safety procedures and safe work practices.
- Customer service principles.
Skill in:
- Using hand tools and shop equipment safely and effectively.
- Following detailed instructions and checklists.
- Communicating clearly with supervisors and customers.
- Maintaining organized records and documentation.
Ability to:
- Lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Work in commercial, industrial, and restaurant environments.
- Work independently with limited supervision after training.
- Learn technical standards and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain punctuality and reliability in a field-service environment.
- Present professionally and build trust with customers.
Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including commercial buildings, restaurants, industrial sites, and shop facilities. The employee may be exposed to varying temperatures, dust, noise, and occasionally confined spaces.
The position requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and operating tools for extended periods.
This position is structured as a career-track role within Escos Fire & Safety. Successful technicians will have the opportunity to:
- Obtain additional certifications.
- Advance to Technician II / Senior Technician.
- Cross-train in suppression systems, and other compliance inspections.
- Take on increased responsibility and leadership in field operations.
Escos Fire & Safety is committed to developing long-term team members who want to grow with the company.

Performance Expectations - First 90 Days

This position’s classification entails a 6 month probationary period. The first 90 days of the probationary period are structured to ensure technical competency, reliability, and progress toward certification.

- Complete onboarding and safety training.
- Demonstrate proper handling of tools and equipment.
- Assist senior technicians on inspections and service calls.
- Learn documentation and reporting procedures.
- Maintain punctuality and professional conduct.
- Begin actively preparing for the CAL FIRE Portable Extinguisher License certification (exam must be scheduled within 90 days of hire).
- Perform basic extinguisher inspections independently under supervision.
- Continue actively preparing for the CAL FIRE Portable Extinguisher License certification.
- Perform hydrostatic testing of cylinders under supervision.
- Demonstrate understanding of NFPA inspection standards.
- Show consistent accuracy in documentation.
- Maintain shop organization and operational readiness.
- Demonstrate safe lifting and equipment handling practices.
- Perform routine extinguisher inspections with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrate understanding of hydrotesting procedures.
- Exhibit reliability in opening/closing shop responsibilities.
- Schedule California State Fire Marshal Portable Fire Extinguisher License exam.
- Be actively preparing for the CAL FIRE Portable Extinguisher License certification (exam must be scheduled within six months of hire).
Performance during the first 90 days will determine continued employment and advancement trajectory.

Compensation & Benefits

Escos Fire & Safety is committed to rewarding performance, growth, and long-term commitment to the company.

$24.00
- First 90 days during probationary training period.
$26.00
- After 90 day probationary period is over.
$30.00
- If technician advances to Technician Level II
Annual cost of living increases are also provided.
Full-time (40 hours per week)
Compensation reviewed annually with COLA increases applied each January upon completion of probation.
40 hours annually, accrued throughout the year.
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Day After Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day

Apply now

Fire Safety Technician

Level 1

Fire Safety Technician - Level 1

Location

Job Type

Job Summary

Essential Job Functions

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

WORKING CONDITIONS

GROWTH OPPORTUNITY

Performance Expectations - First 90 Days

Within First 30 Days

Within First 60 Days

Within First 90 Days

Compensation & Benefits

Salary

Schedule

Annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA):

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Company-Paid Holidays