At IgnitionTech Fire Consulting, we focus on ensuring a safer environment through expert fire code consulting. Our services range from warehouse design to emergency response planning, all aimed at compliance and safety. Discover how we can help you navigate fire code regulations and optimize your facility’s layout.
My name is David Kalinec. Nice to meet you. I have been in this industry since the year 2000 (yes, we survived the great Y2K!). After spending time selling racking and shelving, customers began asking “can you get my rack permit,” or “do I need a rack permit,” or “what is a rack permit.” To be honest, at that time I did not know what a permit was, and I did not understand that I was subjecting my customers to danger and risk. I could not stand not knowing.
Therefore, I set out to change this. By 2010, Cato Industrial Group was formed to bridge the gap between the material handing industry, the business industry, and the authority having jurisdiction. We learned everything to know about permitting and the permit process so we could perfect it, and we did. In 2018, Cato Industrial Group transitioned to Active Industrial Fire Protection to better serve its customers.
Developing plans is the easy part. But we pioneered and perfected the hard part – the inspections process. Approved plans does not get you to the finish line – the Certificate of Compliance. We work diligently with you and your team to ensure we not only pass plans review, but inspections as well, taking you from start to finish. And best of all, we do not stop at the finish line. We also assist with your operational permits.
So, when you choose IgnitionTech Fire Consulting, you are choosing the experts, and you can focus on your business while we focus on the process, allowing you to increase your bottom line. Below are some of my educational and professional highlights.
Our team is committed to providing top-notch fire safety consulting and support. Each member brings unique expertise to ensure your compliance and safety needs are met.
Lead Fire Code Consultant
With 15+ years in warehouse fire protection, I specialize in high-piled storage, commodity classification, and AHJ-approved permit sets. I hold an M.S. in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M and an M.S. in Fire Protection Engineering from Cal Poly. I build standards, templates, and review checklists that align with IFC, NFPA 13, and local amendments—covering racking, egress, sprinklers, signage, and ESS/UL 9540A interfaces where applicable. My mission: fewer surprises, faster approvals, and safer facilities for owners, architects, and tenants.
Design Manager
As Design/Drafter Manager, I oversee field-to-finish drafting for high-piled storage and warehouse projects. My deep AutoCAD/Revit expertise and working knowledge of IFC, NFPA 13, and local AHJ requirements help streamline takeoffs, standards, and QA/QC. We partner closely with our consultants to deliver permit-ready layouts that are accurate, buildable, and on schedule.
Senior Inspector, Consultant
As a former City of Houston Fire Marshal inspector, I lead field inspections, pre-tests, and closeouts for high-piled storage and warehouse occupancies. With deep knowledge of IFC, NFPA 13, and local amendments, I identify deficiencies fast and coordinate clear fixes with our design team—reducing rework and accelerating approvals.
Seniot Inspector, Consultant
Formerly with the City of Houston Fire Marshal’s Office, I conduct site inspections, audits, and occupancy readiness checks. Skilled in IFC/NFPA 13 compliance for high-piled storage, I partner with contractors and owners to resolve issues quickly and document corrections for smooth approvals.
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