If you own or operate a fire protection entity and need your NAICS code, here is your answer right away.
The primary NAICS code for public fire protection is 922160, classified under Fire Protection in the Public Administration sector. However, “fire protection” is a broad term that covers everything from municipal firefighting to the installation of indoor sprinklers. The right code for your business depends on whether you provide a government service or a private contracting service. This page covers the relevant codes so you can find the exact match for your operations.
| 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.
In plain English, this code is for the organizations that actually respond to fires and emergencies. For fire protection services, this includes:
- Public Fire Departments: Municipal, county, and state firefighting units.
- Volunteer Firefighting Organizations: Non-profit or community-based fire services.
- Combined Fire and Rescue Services: Departments that provide both firefighting and emergency medical rescue (ambulance) services.
- Fire Marshals’ Offices: Government offices responsible for fire safety inspections and arson investigation.
The important distinction here is that this code is for the service of protection and rescue. It is generally used by public entities or organizations serving a government function. It does not cover private companies that install fire safety equipment.
Does My Fire Protection Business Qualify for Code 922160?
Your organization qualifies for NAICS code 922160 if:
- You are a municipal or county fire department.
- You are a volunteer firefighting group recognized by a local government.
- Your primary mission is to fight fires and perform emergency rescues.
Your business may not qualify if:
- Sprinkler Installation: You install and service fire sprinkler systems, which falls under 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors).
- Fire Alarm Wiring: You focus on wiring fire detection and alarm systems, which falls under 238210 (Electrical Contractors).
- Monitoring Services: You monitor fire alarm signals from a central station, which falls under 561621 (Security Systems Services).
- Extinguisher Maintenance: You inspect, refill, and repair portable fire extinguishers, which falls under 811310 (Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance).
- Forestry Firefighting: You provide firefighting services specifically for forests, which falls under 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry).
When your business performs several of these tasks, choose the code that reflects your primary source of revenue.
Where Will You Need This Code?
Your NAICS code is a key identifier for your organization’s legal and financial records. Here is where code 922160 (or your specific contracting code) will be required:
- Federal Grants: If your department is applying for FEMA or AFG grants, you must have the correct NAICS code to prove you are a legitimate fire protection entity.
- Federal Contracting via SAM.gov: Private companies bidding on government contracts to provide fire watch or equipment must register under the code that matches the specific service requested.
- Commercial Insurance: Insurance providers use these codes to assess risk. A department performing high-risk rescues (922160) has a different liability profile than a company inspecting extinguishers (811310).
- Business Registration: State and local agencies require a NAICS code when you set up an LLC, corporation, or non-profit for your firefighting or safety business.
- Business Bank Accounts: Banks use this code to categorize your account and ensure compliance with federal financial regulations.
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 systems?
If your business installs or repairs indoor sprinkler systems, you should use 238220. The government groups sprinkler work with plumbing and HVAC because the skills and licensing required are similar.
Which code do I use for fire extinguisher inspections?
If your primary business is the maintenance and refilling of portable fire extinguishers, use 811310. This code is for the repair and maintenance of commercial and industrial machinery and equipment.
What is the NAICS code for fire alarm monitoring?
Companies that provide remote monitoring for fire and smoke alarms should use 561621. This code covers central station monitoring for both fire and security systems.
What if my department provides both fire and ambulance services?
You still use 922160. The official definition for this code explicitly includes government establishments that provide combined fire protection and ambulance or rescue services.
Is there a code for private fire protection?
If you are a private company providing firefighting services (such as for industrial sites or as a contractor), you generally still use 922160, as it is the primary classification for the act of firefighting. However, always check your specific contracts to see if a more specialized code is required.