By James Kent
As the new year begins, business owners must maintain their safety standards as they review goals for 2025. In Rutland and Windsor counties, Marble Valley Fire’s fire safety equipment and services positively impact these efforts.
Marble Valley Fire’s owner Mike Roy’s commitment to fire safety is deeply rooted in his extensive background as a firefighter. He served over 25 years with the Rutland City Fire Dept., where he gained firsthand experience of the devastating consequences that can result from inadequate fire prevention measures.
Reflecting on his time as a firefighter, Roy recalled, “I saw the need for a fire extinguisher business, and while I was still working, I started Marble Valley Fire.”
Roy’s transition from firefighting to entrepreneurship was driven by a clear understanding of the community’s needs.
“Within three years, it was getting to the point where I couldn’t do both anymore, and it was time for me to move on from the fire department,” Roy explained.
In June 2024, Roy made the final move to focus entirely on Marble Valley Fire, a timely decision as the business quickly grew to meet the rising demand for reliable fire safety services.
Comprehensive fire safety services
Marble Valley Fire offers various services crucial for maintaining a safe and compliant business environment. The company specializes in supplying commercial-grade fire extinguishers, conducting inspections, and maintaining kitchen suppression systems. These services are vital for restaurants, hotels, daycares, and other establishments where fire hazards are a significant concern and compliance with safety regulations is critical.
Understanding the critical role that fire extinguishers play in preventing minor incidents from escalating, Roy emphasized the importance of regular maintenance. “Commercial fire extinguishers must undergo regular maintenance to remain functional,” he stated. Marble Valley Fire provides inspections, maintenance, and hydro tests to ensure extinguishers are always ready.
Unlike the standard fire extinguishers available at hardware stores, Marble Valley Fire supplies commercial-grade extinguishers that meet stringent safety criteria. “Everything we sell is commercial grade because you can’t go to Home Depot and get a first alert fire extinguisher and put it in a commercial application,” Roy noted. This distinction ensures that businesses have reliable and effective tools in an emergency.
In addition to sales, the company offers on-site recharging and servicing. Roy explained, “We can recharge fire extinguishers on site, which means businesses don’t have to wait for a replacement. Our goal is to keep your extinguisher with you, fully operational.”
Mike Roy demonstrated the process of refilling a commercial grade fire extinguisher while inside his service trailer.
This approach minimizes downtime and ensures continuous protection, which is especially important for businesses that rely on their fire safety systems to remain operational. Marble Valley Fire also offers inspection, maintenance, and replacement services for residential homes.
Kitchen suppression systems are a regulatory requirement
For commercial kitchens, having a reliable suppression system is a safety measure and a regulatory requirement. Marble Valley Fire installs, services, and inspects these systems to ensure local and state regulations compliance. Roy described the process: “Most people have heard of an Ansul system. It’s designed to activate when a fire is detected by a certain temperature, automatically discharging suppressant over the cooking area to extinguish the flames.”
Every commercial kitchen is required to have a suppression system in place, and Roy highlighted that Marble Valley Fire is a key provider in Rutland and Windsor Counties. “We’re pretty much the only company in this area offering these services,” he stated.
This local focus allows the company to respond quickly to inspection requests and service needs without the added costs of long-distance travel.
Proactive maintenance and compliance
Roy’s extensive experience as a firefighter has underscored the critical importance of preventive maintenance. He shared a poignant memory, “I’ve seen a Chinese restaurant where the grease and the hood were the reason they had a fire, and it totaled the whole building. Regular inspections help prevent such catastrophic events.”
Preventative maintenance is a cornerstone of Marble Valley Fire’s services. Regular inspections ensure compliance with safety regulations and protect businesses from potential fines and operational disruptions. Roy emphasized the importance of these inspections: “Insurance companies often require proof of regular fire extinguisher inspections. When a business sells or undergoes a major change, it triggers another inspection from the state, necessitating updated certifications and stickers.”
Marble Valley Fire plays a crucial role in safeguarding businesses and their employees by conducting thorough inspections and ensuring that fire safety systems are up to date. Roy emphasized, “preventive maintenance is crucial. It not only ensures compliance but also protects lives and property.”
One of Marble Valley Fire’s distinguishing factors is its commitment to exceptional customer service. As the primary provider in its region, the company offers personalized and timely services that larger, distant companies cannot match. Roy shared, “We receive numerous calls from businesses that previously had to rely on companies far away. Our clients appreciate that we don’t charge for travel within an hour of our location, making our services more affordable and accessible.”
Marble Valley Fire’s dedication extends beyond routine inspections. In emergencies, such as when a suppression system is inadvertently triggered, the company is available on weekends and nights to resolve the issue promptly. “If a system trips, it can shut off a restaurant’s gas supply, halting operations. We prioritize getting things back to normal as quickly as possible,” Roy added.
In addition to its core services, Marble Valley Fire strongly emphasizes fire prevention education and extinguisher training. Roy explained, “We provide extinguisher training to ensure that businesses know how to use their equipment effectively.”
With a strong foundation built on experience, dedication, and a commitment to the community, Mike Roy and Marble Valley Fire continue to provide indispensable fire safety services that help businesses thrive safely in the new year.
For more information, visit: marblevalleyfire.com.
