South Lake Tahoe police are issuing a warning to local businesses concerning a company called National Fire & Safety Inspection Co. which may be performing fire inspections they are not licensed to perform in South Lake Tahoe.

In February, two males arrived at a local business in the Y area and advised employees they were there to conduct a mandatory fire inspection. They had uniform shirts with a logo and looked official. They completed an “inspection” and sent the business a bill for several hundred dollars.

The business did not pay the bill and instead contacted the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department for more information.

While this case is still under investigation, it appears this company is attempting to scam local businesses by arriving unannounced, performing unauthorized inspections, and billing the company hoping to get paid.

Local fire inspections are conducted by Fire Marshall Ray Zachau from the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department. There are legitimate companies that service fire alarms in businesses, but business owners should already know their legitimate alarm service providers and be expecting service/inspections.

If any business has “Fire Inspectors” show up to conduct an inspection, business owners and/or employees are encouraged to confirm the service has been requested and when in doubt, contact Fire Marshall Ray Zachau at (530) 542.6160.