Advanced Fire Systems Inc.

The state insures Advanced Fire Systems under automatic sprinkler installation, alongside drafting and office staff, which fits a firm that lays out water-based sprinkler systems in-house before crews install them. Recent electrical permits cover new fire alarm systems in multi-building complexes, riser-room panels with pull stations and sprinkler monitoring, and a camera and access-control job in Spokane Valley. Public-works filings go back to 2010, usually as a subcontractor, for the City of Spokane, Spokane School District 81, Community Colleges of Spokane, Eastern Washington University, Washington State University and Spokane Transit Authority. The company describes itself as family-owned, says it has operated since 2009 and advertises a 24-hour emergency line. The state lists Robert Skelton, Richard Skelton and Melissa Erickson as principals. With a crew in the 31-to-50 range and separate alarm, design and field supervision roles, this firm is built for property managers, institutions and multi-unit owners who need sprinklers, alarm upgrades, or routine backflow and hydrant testing to stay in compliance. Much of its work comes through repeat contracts and referrals. It is a fire protection and life-safety specialist, so household plumbing, HVAC or general construction belong with a different trade. Repair or replace comes up most often with alarm panels and older sprinkler heads. A panel that still communicates with its devices can often be serviced, but when replacement parts are no longer made or the system can't monitor newer devices, swapping the panel is usually the cleaner path, as the Deer Creek work shows. Sprinkler piping in older Spokane buildings deserves an inspection before anyone decides, since a few corroded heads can be replaced while widespread scaling points to a larger fix. Ask for test results in writing either way.