Deluge System Activated in Tunnel

Deluge System Activates in Eisenhower/Johnson Tunnel

Fire Suppression System Save

Fire suppression systems are required in many buildings, but do they actually work? A recent fire that occurred in the Eisenhower/Johnson Tunnel proved that our suppression systems really can act when called upon. This tunnel complex is about 60 miles West of Denver and it brings traffic underneath the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains, and On Monday, January 28th a car in the Eisenhower/Johnson Tunnels caught on fire.

Eisenhower/Johnson Tunnel Fire

The Eisenhower/Johnson Tunnels is used by thousands of people on a daily basis, and if when is shut down that stretch from Colorado’s high county to Denver becomes difficult to travel. Many people use the Eisenhower/Johnson Tunnel to get to Colorado’s ski resorts, so a fire in the tunnels could have large consequences for the state of Colorado and for the mountain winter sports industry that relies on the I-70 corridor to thrive.

Deluge System from WSFP Saves Lives

The Eisenhower/Johnson tunnels were built 40 years ago and were recently retrofitted with a suppression system from Western States Fire Protection in 2015. y Recently, when a fire did occur in the tunnels, the system kicked into action and successfully put out the blaze. WSFP installed a deluge sprinkler system to help protect the tunnels from a fire, even in freezing temperatures. The system we installed worked exactly as it was designed, extinguishing the fire before responders arrived and saving the lives of the people in the car.

Without this suppression system, the fire could have had devastating consequences on the tunnels and for the people inside. Fire suppression systems and fire sprinkler systems are very important for protecting lives and property. If you are considering having a sprinkler or suppression system installed in your facility, don’t wait. Have a system installed as soon as possible to help prevent damage to your property and protect the things that matter most.

Install a Fire Suppression System with WSFP

Western States Fire Protection designs and installs fire protection systems in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. We can design a system that fits the needs of your facility. The team of technicians at Western States has worked on a wide variety of fire protection systems including:

Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems
Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems
Deluge Systems
Pre-Action Systems
Foam Fire Suppression
CO2 Fire Suppression
FM200 Fire Suppression

When you work with WSFP, we will make the installation process easy by completing the project with minimal disruption to your facility. After installation we can provide ongoing inspection and repair services. If you are interested in a fire protection system from Western States, request a quote today!

4 Reasons to Conduct a Fire System Inspection

Importance of Fire Protection Inspections

Simply having fire protection systems installed in your facility is not enough to promote life safety for the occupants of your building. Fire protection systems must be regularly inspected and serviced to keep them up to date and working. When choosing a fire protection contractor, choose a company that can provide you with regularly scheduled inspections and testing or set up a service plan for your system’s components. Below is a list of reasons you should consider having your fire protection system inspected.

Regular inspections could save lives: Inspecting your fire protection system can identify possible repairs that must be made or areas of weakness for your system. When a sprinkler system is broken, it may not release water to extinguish a fire like it should. Finding problems with your systems early on will help you get repairs done and have your system ready to defend in the event of an emergency.
Finding Deficiencies Can Save You Money. As mentioned above, inspecting your fire systems will help you identify repairs that need to be made to your components. If inspections are not performed it could cost your business extra time and a lot of money. When fire protection is not working correctly it can cause expensive damages to your building. In addition, more damage to structures can result in lost profits due to increased downtime and extensive damages. Regular inspections can identify deficiencies in your system and save you money in the long run.
Avoid Fines due to Noncompliance. Not only are inspections beneficial to life safety, they are required by NFPA standards and local fire codes. If your systems are not inspected according to regulations your business could be fined. Hiring a fire protection contractor to perform inspections as often as required by code can help you avoid extra fines.
Insurance Discounts. Many insurance companies provide discounts on insurance if your fire protection systems are inspected on a regular basis. Setting up a service plan for your fire protection system that includes regularly scheduled inspections may allow you to save money on premiums in the long run.

WSFP: A Full-Service Fire Protection Contractor

Western States Fire Protection can provide your facility with regularly scheduled inspections for your fire protection systems. We can set up a service plan to give you testing and inspections for your systems on an annual, quarterly, or monthly basis, or as often as required by local codes or insurance. Our team of technicians can provide a variety of services from installation to inspections and repairs. Working with Western States allows you to have one fire protection contractor that will fulfill all your needs. We have office locations across the western United States to service you. Contact WSFP today to learn more about fire protection inspections.

Hotel & Casino Fire Protection Services

Casino and Hotel Fire Services

When you go on vacation you probably never take the time to consider whether the hotel you checked into has the proper fire protection or not. However, you may want to consider taking time to learn more about your accommodations. A vacation is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable. You do not want to spend your time worried about safety, or worse yet, have a fire break out and be unprotected.

MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Fire

Las Vegas is known for casinos, gambling, and having a good time. With these establishments comes a need for fire prevention measures that promote the life safety of people enjoying their vacation. On November 21, 1980 a fire broke out at the Vegas MGM Grand Hotel and Casino that took the lives of 85 people. In the MGM Grand Fire, the alarm system did not alert the hotel occupants of the fire. The alarm system never went off and was burned before it could notify people in the building of the danger.

This fire drew attention to the fact that many hotels had deficiencies in their fire protection systems. As a result, hotels and casinos are now required by the NFPA to have automatic fire sprinkler systems as well as fire alarms with voice communication installed and working.

Installation of a Fire Protection System

Properly installed systems are a great first step towards the safety of visitors at hotels and casinos. It is important that all hotels have automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire alarms with voice communications, emergency lighting, kitchen fire suppression, and properly placed fire extinguishers. Installed systems should work together to alert building occupants of an emergency. If you are installing a fire protection system in your hotel or casino, have it tested after installation to make sure it is functioning as it was designed to in the event of a fire.

Regular Inspections and Testing

With so many components in a hotel or casino fire protection system, chances are something will eventually need maintenance. Regular inspections and testing of fire suppression systems is necessary to identify any problems that may arise. Hotel managers can perform routine visual inspections of their fire protection systems to make sure they are activated. For more complex inspections, a fire protection contractor should come in to perform inspections for you. A fire protection contractor will be able to identify deficiencies and may be able to perform repairs, so your system is ready to if it is ever needed.

Hotel and Casino Fire Services with Western States Fire Protection

Western States Fire Protection is a full-service fire protection contractor that can install fire protection systems in hotels and casinos. We are experienced in installing fire sprinkler, suppression, and alarm systems. WSFP has a team of technicians that can inspect, test, service, and repair your hotel or casino fire systems. With locations across the Western United States, we can service your location quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to schedule and inspection of your fire protection systems.

Environmentally Friendly Fire Protection

Green Fire Protection Design

Protecting your home or business is important but protecting the environment is important as well. Some forms of fire suppression may be effective at extinguishing a fire, but it comes at a cost to the environment. Luckily, there are options for fire suppression that can provide protection for your assets without environmental consequences.

Reducing Water Waste

One important method for contributing to a cleaner environment is waste reduction. Installing a fire protection system that uses water efficiently will help reduce water waste. Choosing a sprinkler system that uses lower volumes of water will have a beneficial impact on the environment. If you are concerned about improving the water efficiency of your fire protection system you may consider installing a water mist system which uses less water than the traditional fire sprinkler system.

Green Fire Suppression

Choosing the right form of fire suppression is important when trying to follow green practices. Inert gases such as nitrogen and argon are considered environmentally friendly suppression agents. These gases are naturally occurring and leave no chemical or toxic byproducts. Inert gas suppressants dissipate back into the environment after being discharged and have no impact on the ozone or global warming. When installing a fire protection system, it is important to keep in mind not only the ability of the system to extinguish a fire but also the consequences it may have on the environment.

LEED Certified Buildings

If you want to build a business that is follows sustainable practices, you may want to receive a LEED certification for your building. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized green building rating system. LEED verifies that a building was designed and built using environmentally conscious practices. Working with a fire protection contractor who is experienced in providing fire protection systems for LEED projects is important to make sure your building is receiving a system that will not harm the environment.

Green Fire Protection Company

Western States Fire Protection prides itself on being an industry leader in providing environmentally conscious fire protection. Our innovative systems design reduces construction and water waste. We have worked on a variety of LEED certified projects. WSFP continuously works to exceed expectations by identifying opportunities in our projects for environmentally friendly contributions. We provide excellent customer service as well as superior fire protection systems. Our 40 locations across the western United States can provide fire protection services for the industrial, commercial, and residential industries.

October Is Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week 2018

Fire Prevention Week kicked off on October 7, 2018 and runs through October 13, 2018. During this week, the NFPA works to educate the public about fire safety and the dangers of fire. Make sure you and your loved ones take some time to learn proper fire safety methods during Fire Prevention Week.

On October 8^th, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire broke out, taking the lives of more than 250 people and destroying the homes of more than 100,00 people. Fire Prevention Week was established as a national observance by President Calvin Coolidge in commemoration of this deadly fire. The purpose of fire prevention week is to educate people of all ages about the risk of death in a fire and provide educational resources to keep people safe.

“Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”

Every year, Fire Prevention Week has a new campaign to educate the public on fire safety. This year’s theme, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere,” teaches three steps to reduce the chance of a fire and educates on safe escape if a fire does occur.

LOOK for Potential Fire Hazards

Take some time to look around in your home or business and identify possible fire hazards. The most common fire hazards are cooking, heating equipment, electrical equipment, candles, and smoking materials. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and many of these fires start when cooking is left unattended. Remember to have chimneys and other heating equipment cleaned each year. Turn off space heaters before leaving the house, before you leave the room, or go to sleep. Make sure you are using electrical equipment properly. Do not overload your outlets and use extension cords properly. If you or someone you live with is a smoker, only smoke outside and throw away butts and ashes safely.

LISTEN for Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are critical to Life Safety in the event of a fire. Smoke alarms work as the first line of defense by alerting everyone that there is a fire and giving them time to evacuate. Having smoke alarms in your home cuts your risk of death from a fire in half. Make sure to install smoke alarms in every level of your home and in every bedroom. Test smoke alarms every month and replace them if they are more than 10 years old. Also, you should interconnect the alarms in your home so that all smoke alarms will go off simultaneously, alerting everyone in your home.

LEARN Your Escape Plan

Time is crucial when a fire occurs, and every second counts when trying to safely escape. Creating and practicing an escape plan for your home will lower the amount of time it takes you to escape in the event of a fire and will increase your chances of getting out safely. The general rule for escape plans is to have two ways out of every room. Usually these two exits are a door and a window. You also should identify a path from each exit to the outside of your home and designate a safe meeting place for everyone to gather. Once you have created a home escape plan, practice it with your family at least twice a year.

Knowing fire prevention techniques can save lives. If you want to know more about fire prevention week take a look at many great fire prevention resources, visit the NFPA’s website.

Fire Protection Services for the Oil & Gas Industry

In 2012, Western States Fire Protection opened a new office in North Dakota to help service our customers better in the Bakken Oil Fields. With a boom in the industry, we are meeting a demand for state of the art fire protection.

A fire at a collection site, gas, chemical or petrochemical plant is devastating to the facilities, the company, and most of all the people working at such a facility. Early detection and fast reacting fire protection systems are critical in situations with special hazards.

Our North Dakota team has over 20 years of experience providing special hazard fire suppression systems, service and inspections to industrial and military facilities. We have helped protect any industry prone to rapid and raging fires from gas plants, coal processing facilities, paper mills, power plants and fuel storage to warehouses and aircraft hangars.

Each facility in the industrial marketplace has at times multiple hazards within one facility. From the control room of a plant to the storage of fuel, each hazard needs a different type of suppression system to quickly react to a fire and limit down time and damage to your facilities.

Some of the most common fire suppression systems we have installed for chemical facilities include:

Foam fire suppression
Water Deluge Systems
FM200 fire suppression systems
C02 Suppression systems

Our North Dakota branch provides the installation of fire suppression systems in gas and oil facilities, as well as ongoing service, inspection, 24 hour monitoring and an emergency response team. Learn more about special hazard fire suppression and Western States Fire Protection’s capabilities. Our North Dakota team is ready to partner with you on your next project!

WSFP RECOGNIZED BY AGC

Meeting project timelines and budgets while managing site constraints were some of the criteria for multiple awards recently bestowed upon Western States Fire Protection’s (WSFP) Albuquerque, N.M., branch. The full-service fire protection contractor received five 2014 Best Buildings awards in specialty contracting by the New Mexico chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), a leading industry trade association.

“As the only union fire protection contractor in this area of New Mexico, we’re not the least expensive choice,” said Ralph Parks, operations manager with WSFP Albuquerque. “Our long-time relationships with general contractors are partnerships. They see the value and quality of our work and have helped us earn these opportunities to participate in leading-edge projects.”

The awards for work performed last year cover five AGC award categories: projects between $5 million and $10 million, partnering, outstanding specialty work, LEED® certified projects and building information management (BIM). The projects, respectively, are the University of New Mexico Collaborative Teaching & Learning building; addition to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists headquarters; a branch of the Bank of the Rio Grande; Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) Bookstore & Culinary Arts classrooms; and CNM Westside expansion.

“We really strive to be innovative in devising solutions that meet the customer’s budget and safety requirements,” Parks said, noting all five projects included fire protection design, fabrication and installation. The branch also does pro-bono work, such as a retrofit project for Albuquerque’s ACE Leadership High School that educates students in architecture, construction and engineering.

The Centennial, Colo.-based fire protection company, an APi Group subsidiary since 1989, has operations across nearly 30 locations throughout the Western United States and Midwest.

WSFP: LUKE COPE NAMED A TOP 20 UNDER 40

LUKE COPE NAMED A TOP 20 UNDER 40

Keeping track of the industry’s dollars and (business) sense

Cope is one of the Top 20 Under 40 winners in the ENR Mountain States area.

Luke Cope started his construction career as a service-unit electrician in New York. He soon began working in the office to fix many of the business problems he had encountered in the field. He moved to Colorado and became the controller and assistant treasurer at Western States Fire Protection where he leads a team of 12 people.

He has supported the company through four acquisitions and managed the financial complexities of an international expansion. He has also chaired two committees for the Institute of Certified Construction Financial Professionals. In 2014 he began a three-year term on the group’s executive committee.

“The real challenge becomes overcoming self-imposed limitations,” Cope said. “The same can be true for any young professionals who want to reach their potential and make a difference in an industry that depends on them for innovation.”

Away from work, Cope volunteers on the governing council for Behind the Red, which supports the American Red Cross through fundraising, communications, advocacy and volunteerism.

WSFP acquires Advanced Fire Protection

Advanced Fire Protection Joins the WSFP Team

The team at Western States Fire Protection (WSFP), a subsidiary of APi Group, is pleased to welcome Advanced Fire Protection to the WSFP and APi Group family. The deal closed on December 1. Advanced Fire is a fire suppression company based in Oklahoma City that specializes in military work.

“The acquisition is a tremendous opportunity for Western States,” said Joe DePriest, vice president of WSFP. “This new relationship will provide us with the opportunity to expand our reach within the fire protection industry and market share within Oklahoma City and the surrounding area.”

Advanced Fire, a subcontracting company in the business for 12 years, specializes in the design, install and service side of fire suppression systems. With revenues totaling more than $4 million, Advanced Fire makes for a profitable business.

Ray Lawson, operations manager for WSFP’s Oklahoma City branch office, along with Larry and Terri Clagett, from Advanced Fire, will collaborate expand the market share.

“Advanced Fire is a great group of talented individuals that fit within the Western States’ culture and makes sense from a geographic standpoint,” DePriest said.

Incorporated in 1985 and performing work in fire protection since 1933, WSFP specializes in the design, fabrication, installation, repairs, maintenance and inspections of fire suppression systems. Industries served include commercial, residential, and industrial fire protection.

WSFP will make the integration of this company into the APi Group family throughout the next several months.

Welcome Omlid & Swinney

Omlid & Swinney Joins the WSFP Family

APi Group Inc. and Western States Fire Protection (WSFP) are pleased to welcome Omlid & Swinney Fire Protection and Security to the APi family. The deal closed September 4.

Headquartered in Springfield, Ore., Omlid & Swinney has a business model very similar to WSFP: a full-service fire protection provider offering solutions to customers’ needs. The company will operate as a branch of WSFP.

“Omlid & Swinney is the most reputable fire protection company in the Eugene and Springfield markets,” said WSFP President Gene Postma. “We are excited to have them join the WSFP team to service all the current and new customers in this market.”

O’Jay Omlid and Steve Swinney founded the company in 1983 with the idea to provide the best service possible. Mr. Omlid has been in the fire protection industry since 1973. He oversees the office staff, and the estimating and engineering departments. He designs sprinkler systems and provides quotes. Mr. Swinney has been in the industry since 1976. He oversees the fabrication shop, quality control and all facets of the sprinkler system installations and repairs.

Licensed in three states, Oregon, Washington and California, Omlid & Swinney offers:

- Fire sprinkler systems

- Extinguishers and accessories

- Low-voltage electrical

- Suppression system hazards

- Alternative Agents, and

- Closed-Circuit TV

Over the next few months APi Group and WSFP will be in the process of integrating the new company into our organization.