Fire extinguisher placement & mounting requirements are regulated by the International Fire Code (IFC), NFPA 10 and adopted by the New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office. Local Fire Marshals may have additional requirements based on building type.
1. Selection: Which Type of Extinguisher?
Determine what hazards are present in the area you want to protect. The different types of fire extinguishers are as follows:
- Residential/General Office (Class A, B, and C): Standard recommendation is a multi-purpose 2A10BC extinguisher for most NM residences and businesses where the fire hazard is considered low.
- Commercial Kitchen Fire (Class K): Class K wet chemical extinguishers are designed to put out cooking oils/fats.
- Electrical Fires (Class C): Near expensive electrical equipment such as server rooms, CO₂ or “clean agent” extinguishers are recommended.
- Industrial/Flammable Liquids (Class B): Areas with gasoline, oil, paint, etc.
2. How Many Fire Extinguishers Do I Need? Placement & Distribution
Required Number is based on “travel distance” to reach an extinguisher.
Maximum Allowable Travel Distance to Reach an Extinguisher:
- Class A type hazard: 75’ Between extinguishers
- Class B type hazard: 50’ from hazard
- Class K type hazard: 30’ from cooking appliance
- One on each floor: Buildings are required to have a minimum of one extinguisher per floor.
Locations: Extinguishers should always be placed along exit routes, by exits, and always be visible. Do not put them behind furniture or put them close to ceilings where they can be blocked by other equipment.
3. Mounting Requirements: Height and Visibility from Floor
Mounting an extinguisher out of reach for children but reachable by adults in an emergency.
Height from Floor:
- Less than 40 lbs. : Center of extinguisher (top of handle) can be no more than 5’ (1.5m) from the ground.
- Greater than 40 lbs. : Center of extinguisher (top of handle) can be no more than 3.5’ (1m) from the ground.
- Distance from Floor: Bottom of extinguisher should be at least 4” off the ground.
- Signage: If an extinguisher is inside of a cabinet or not visible place a sign or floor decals that points to its location.
4. Maintenance Requirements & Tags for New Mexico Businesses
In New Mexico, the Fire Marshal requires extinguishers be maintained in all commercial and multi-family residential occupancies. The maintenance requirements are as follows:
- Monthly: Owned by who? Should be the business owner or designated individual to perform a quick visual check. Gauge should be in the green and ensure that the pin is in place and nothing is physically damaged.
- Annual: By a licensed technician who will visually inspect, tag, and recharge if needed.
- 6-Year Maintenance Interval: Every 6 years most extinguishers must be removed and sent to a service company to perform a complete internal “teardown” inspection.
- 12-Year Maintenance Interval: Every 12 years all extinguishers must have the shell examined for integrity.