FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
The most common questions we hear from restaurant owners, food truck operators, and fair vendors. If yours isn't here, just call.
How often does my fire extinguisher need to be inspected? +
Per NFPA 10, portable fire extinguishers must have a monthly visual inspection (which the owner or staff can perform) and an annual maintenance inspection by a certified technician. Stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers also require a 6-year internal maintenance and a 12-year hydrostatic test. See our fire extinguisher inspection service for full pricing and procedures.
How often does my restaurant kitchen hood system need to be inspected? +
NFPA 96 and NFPA 17A require kitchen hood suppression systems to be inspected every 6 months by a certified technician. We replace fusible links at every semi-annual visit and verify that all detection, actuation, and gas-shutoff components are functional.
What's the difference between Class K and ABC extinguishers — do I need both? +
Yes, in most commercial cooking situations. ABC extinguishers handle ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. Class K extinguishers use a wet chemical agent specifically designed for cooking oils and animal fats. NFPA 96 requires a Class K extinguisher within 30 feet of any commercial deep fat fryer — in addition to (not instead of) your ABC and your hood suppression system.
How much does fire extinguisher inspection cost in Sioux Falls? +
Annual inspection and tagging starts at $25 per ABC extinguisher and $30 per Class K extinguisher. Recharges run $25–$35. 6-year internal maintenance is $35–$50. New extinguishers sold and tagged start at $75. We're typically 20–30% below national chains like Pye-Barker — and we'll quote you a flat price before we start. Full pricing on our extinguisher inspection page.
How much does hood system inspection cost? +
Semi-annual inspection of a typical restaurant hood system runs $200–$350 depending on the size and complexity. Agent recharge after a discharge runs $300–$400. Nozzle replacements are $75–$100 each. We give flat quotes — no surprise invoices. See full pricing on our hood suppression service page.
Do you install fire suppression systems in food trucks? +
Yes — this is our specialty. We install Buckeye Kitchen Mister wet chemical suppression systems, sized to your equipment and configuration. A complete food truck fire compliance package (suppression system + extinguishers + first inspection) typically runs $3,500–$4,000. We've been working in food trucks and concession trailers for 20+ years.
I have a fair coming up and need everything tagged. Can you help? +
Yes. We offer a fair season prep package that covers all your extinguishers, your hood system inspection, and a fire marshal walkthrough — all in one visit, before the fair opens. Typically $200–$300 depending on equipment count. Call us as early in the season as possible so we can fit you in.
Are you certified? +
Falls Fire Protection follows NFPA 10, NFPA 17A, and NFPA 96 standards. ICC/NAFED technician certification is currently in progress (FE and FK exams). We will not service equipment until we are fully certified, insured, and authorized to issue inspection tags. Until then, we're scheduling consults and quotes for the upcoming fair season — get on the schedule.
Are you insured? +
Yes — Falls Fire Protection carries general liability insurance covering all fire protection services, bodily injury, property damage, and completed operations. Certificate of insurance available on request.
What areas do you serve? +
We're based in Sioux Falls and serve the Sioux Falls metro (Brandon, Harrisburg, Tea, Dell Rapids) plus regional SD cities (Mitchell, Brookings, Vermillion, Yankton, Watertown, Huron), southwestern Minnesota (Luverne, Pipestone, Worthington), and northwestern Iowa (Sioux City, Le Mars, Sheldon). Roughly a 90-minute radius from Sioux Falls.
What if my system fails inspection? +
We document any failure in writing with photos, explain exactly what's wrong, and quote you the repair before doing any work. If you decline the repair, we document that too — that protects both of us. We will never invent a failure to upsell you.
Do you offer first aid kit service? +
Yes. We inspect, restock, and replace OSHA/ANSI Z308.1-compliant first aid kits as a routine add-on during fire inspection visits — or as a standalone monthly route service. Most restaurant kits have expired or missing items because nobody checks them. We fix that.