Businesses Should be Alert to Fire Extinguisher Scam

Business owners in Taranaki are advised to be on the look-out for scammers selling grossly over-priced fire extinguishers.

The scammers, who say they are from an Auckland firm called City and Suburban Fire, are telling business owners that if they do not comply with fire regulations their local council could close them down.

“We’re very concerned to hear that someone is frightening people with threats to their business and giving them the hard-sell to buy equipment or pay for maintenance that is overpriced,” says Manager Customer and Regulatory Services Simon Pickford.

“The Council does not close down businesses over fire extinguishers.”

Sergeant Terry Johnson says the police would like to hear from anyone who is approached by these men.

“They’ve been around the North Island and are pressuring people to upgrade their fire equipment. They’re not very subtle with their pressure and we certainly want to speak to them,” he says.

New Plymouth Fire Service Fire Safety Officer Peter Gallagher says an extinguisher may be required under The Fire Safety and Evacuation of Buildings Regulations 2006 to be installed and maintained in accordance with New Zealand Standard 4503. However, the required type and size of the extinguisher is based on the floor area and the risk fire of the building involved.

“The fire service is happy to offer advice to business owners about what their fire safety needs are, or they can approach a reputable local firm who deals in fire extinguishers,” says Mr Gallagher.