FSJA Exclusive with Interstate Fire Protection: Understanding unique risks

October 23, 2025
Interstate Fire Protection: Understanding unique risks

Lance Flagg, General Manager at Interstate Fire Protection discusses tailoring suppression systems to unique environments and offering a “people-first” approach

Could you please introduce yourself and your role at Interstate Fire Protection?

My name is Lance Flagg and I am the General Manager of Interstate Fire Protection. I have spent 20 years in the fire protection industry, working in all aspects of the industry.

Why do fire suppression systems need to be tailored for unique or highrisk environments such as those within the oil and gas sector?  

When it comes to suppression in oil and gas, there’s no such thing as a standard solution.

You’re dealing with highly flammable materials, complex systems and operations where things can change quickly. A one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work in that world.

At Interstate Fire Protection, we take pride in understanding those unique risks. We’ve built a team that enjoys solving challenges others might shy away from.

Bring us a tough situation, tell us we can’t put a fire out and we’ll find a way to get it done safely and effectively. It’s that problem-solving mindset that’s kept us successful all these years.  

In the Northeast, self-service fueling facilities are held to a higher standard than in many other regions.

Most jurisdictions require a UL 1254 dry chemical fire protection system to safeguard fueling areas.

At Interstate Fire Protection, we’ve specialized in designing, installing, and maintaining these systems for some of the largest fuel distributors in New England.

Our experience ensures compliance with regional fire codes while delivering maximum reliability and protection.

Lance Flagg

What sets us apart is our enhanced approach to detection and monitoring.

We integrate a dedicated releasing control panel that not only activates the system during a fire event but also continuously monitors system status, providing an additional layer of safety and assurance.

You have worked with companies that distribute and market petroleum products since 1981 and have had to adapt during this time to the constantly evolving state and local fire prevention codes- why are they so important?

Fire codes exist because someone, somewhere, learned a lesson the hard way. Each change represents progress with safer practices, better systems and fewer tragedies.

We’ve watched those standards evolve over the decades and every update has made the industry stronger.

For us, staying on top of the codes isn’t just about compliance, it’s about professionalism.

Our technicians train continuously to understand the latest requirements so that every system we design, install or maintain not only meets the standards but reflects the level of care our customers count on.

You take pride in your people-first approach, why is this so intrinsic to your company morals and ethos?

The people are Interstate Fire, plain and simple. They’re the men and women who get up early, head out in all kinds of weather and do the work that keeps others safe.

We’ve got folks who’ve been with us for decades and that kind of dedication means something. It says a lot about who they are and who we are as a company.

What really defines us is the culture of looking out for one another. No one here is above lending a hand or sharing what they know.

Lance Flagg

When you take care of your people, they take care of your customers and that’s been at the core of our success from day one.

Interstate Fire offer a wide variety of services, including installation, inspection and maintenance. How does maintenance help to sustain the effectiveness of a fire suppression system?

Maintenance is the foundation of a reliable fire protection system. You can install the best system available, but without regular inspections and upkeep, it won’t perform when it’s needed most.

Our technicians take pride in preventive work, spotting potential issues early and ensuring every component functions the way it should.

Lance Flagg

It’s not flashy, but it’s what keeps people safe. That attention to detail and consistency is what gives our customers confidence that their systems will respond exactly as intended.

You represent four of the major manufacturers of kitchen fire systems, offering both standard or hybrid water/ wet chemical systems- could you talk about the difference between these two and what environments they might be applicable for?

Standard wet chemical systems are the tried and true setups most people know, they’ve been protecting commercial kitchens for decades.

They work by releasing a fine mist of chemical agent directly onto the cooking surface, usually over fryers, grills and hoods.

That chemical reacts with the grease, cooling it down and forming a soapy layer that smothers the flames and keeps them from coming back.

They’re simple, reliable and perfect for restaurants, cafeterias and smaller commercial operations.

Hybrid systems take that a step further. They use a mix of chemical suppression and water, which gives you better coverage and flexibility, especially in larger or more complex kitchens where heat and grease can travel beyond one area.  

Both systems do the same job at heart. They stop a fire before it spreads but hybrid technology gives you a wider safety net.

The key is to know the environment and matching the system to how that kitchen really operates and that’s where our team’s experience comes in.

Lance Flagg

Looking to the future, what plans and aspirations does Interstate Fire have/ do you have anything exciting to share?

It’s an exciting time for us! We recently acquired a sprinkler company in Maine. That move has allowed us to grow our footprint across New England, but more importantly, it’s strengthened our team.

We’ve got more skilled tradesmen and women than ever before and a lot of our growth comes from within, folks who started here years ago and have built lifelong careers with us.

That’s something I’m really proud of. With offices in both New Hampshire and Maine, we’re in a great position to serve a wide region while keeping the personal touch that’s always defined us.

Lance Flagg

Growth for us, isn’t just about getting bigger, it’s about getting better.

We’re focused on building a team that can lead this industry for years to come, one that’s as dependable and hardworking as the communities we protect.

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