If you operate a fire department or a fire safety business and need your NAICS code, here is your answer right away.
The primary NAICS code for fire protection is 922160, classified under Fire Protection in the Public Administration sector. But because “fire protection” can mean a city fire department or a private company that installs sprinklers, the right code for you depends on who runs the operation and what you do every day. This page covers the relevant codes so you can find the one that actually fits.
| Field | Details |
| NAICS Code | 922160 |
| Industry Title | Fire Protection |
| Sector | 92 (Public Administration) |
| Industry Group | 9221 |
| Last Updated | 2022 NAICS Edition (Next NAICS Edition will come in 2027) |
What Does NAICS Code 922160 Cover?
According to the official 2022 NAICS data, code 922160 covers government establishments primarily engaged in firefighting and other related fire protection activities.
This code is almost always for public safety entities. For these organizations, this includes:
- Municipal Fire Departments: City or county-run fire stations.
- Volunteer Fire Departments: Community-based groups recognized as public safety providers.
- Fire Marshals: Government offices that handle inspections and fire prevention.
- Combined Services: Departments that handle both fire protection and emergency medical/ambulance services.
The big distinction here is that this code is for the actual act of protecting the public from fire. It is a government-level classification. If you are a private contractor who installs equipment, you do not use this code.
Does My Fire Protection Business Qualify for Code 922160?
Your organization qualifies for NAICS code 922160 if:
- You are a government-run fire department or prevention office.
- You are a volunteer fire company providing public safety services.
- Your main job is emergency response and fire prevention enforcement.
Your business does not qualify for this code if:
- You install sprinklers: If you put in pipes and sprinkler systems, use 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors).
- You install alarms: If you wire up smoke detectors and alarm panels, use 238210 (Electrical Contractors).
- You service extinguishers: If you inspect, refill, and repair portable fire extinguishers, use 811310 (Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance).
- You are a private consultant: If you provide safety consulting or private fire watch services, use 561990 (All Other Support Services).
When your business does more than one thing, always pick the code that matches the part of your business that brings in the most money.
Where Will You Need This Code?
Your NAICS code shows up on many important forms. Here is where code 922160 (or your specific commercial code) will be required:
- Federal Grants: When a department applies for FEMA or AFG grants, the government uses this code to verify you are a legitimate fire protection agency.
- SAM.gov Registration: If you want to bid on federal contracts for fire services or gear, you must have the right code on your profile.
- Liability Insurance: Insurance companies use these codes to set your premiums. A firefighting department has a very different risk level than a sprinkler installer.
- Business Bank Accounts: Banks ask for this code to satisfy federal “Know Your Customer” rules and to see what kind of risk your industry carries.
- Tax Filings: The IRS and state tax agencies use these codes to group similar businesses together for economic reports.
922160 in the NAICS Hierarchy
Every NAICS code sits inside a structured hierarchy. Here is exactly where 922160 fits:
| Level | Code | Title |
| Sector | 92 | Public Administration |
| Subsector | 922 | Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities |
| Industry Group | 9221 | Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities |
| NAICS Industry | 92216 | Fire Protection |
| National Industry | 922160 | Fire Protection |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NAICS code for fire sprinkler installation?
The correct code for installing or repairing fire sprinkler systems is 238220. This falls under the plumbing and HVAC category because the work involves the installation of water-based piping systems.
Which code should a fire alarm company use?
If your primary business is the installation and wiring of fire detection and alarm systems, you should use 238210 (Electrical Contractors). If you only monitor those alarms from a central station, you should use 561621 (Security Systems Services).
Is there a different code for forest firefighting?
Yes. If your work is specifically focused on fighting forest fires or provides support activities for forestry, you may be classified under 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry).
What code do I use for fire extinguisher sales and service?
If you sell and service portable extinguishers, you typically use 811310. This code is for the repair and maintenance of commercial machinery and equipment, which includes fire suppression canisters.
Can a private fire watch company use 922160?
Usually, no. Code 922160 is reserved for government and public safety entities. Private companies that provide “fire watch” or safety consulting for commercial buildings should look at 561990 (All Other Support Services) or 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services).