For nearly a decade the Salinas Fire Department said individuals have posed as representatives of the "Fire Marshal's Office" or "inspectors" wanting to check on businesses fire extinguishers for cash. In some instances fire officials said the individuals have threatened businesses with fines if they do not allow them to service fire extinguishers on the property and pay cash up front. "Within the last two years, the frequency of these unannounced visits has increased and caught our attention as skeptical business owners contact our office to report the incidents," says Salinas Fire Department Battalion Chief and Fire Marshal Samuel Klemek.