The Tulare County District Attorney is seeking a preliminary injunction against a Camarillo fire protection equipment company under investigation by a state agency into allegations of pressuring businesses into unnecessary inspections and maintenance. American Fire Protection is alleged by the Contractors State License Board to using high-pressure sales techniques, including representatives wearing uniforms similar to those of fire departments; claiming they are fire marshals and can close a business down if not inspected; and asking to inspect fire extinguishers and other equipment already looked at by other companies. A Tulare County Superior Court judge granted a temporary restraining order, restricting company Chief Executive Officer Danny Victor Williams, Anthony David Ash and Ken Gordon Speck from impersonating fire protection officials, making untrue statements in the sale of fire equipment contracting services; falsely representing that they have serviced fire protection equipment and placing inspection tags on equipment that has not been properly inspected and serviced. The Tulare district attorney’s office is also seeking a preliminary injunction against American Fire to prevent further unfair business practices. “We’re extremely concerned for anyone who’s been pressured into using this company’s services over the past four years,” said board Registrar Steve Sands. “Their shoddy work has put human lives in danger, and the likelihood that property will be destroyed should fire break out.”
