International Fire Code (IFC)

The International Fire Code (IFC) is a model fire code published by the International Code Council (ICC). Most states and cities adopt it, often with local changes, as their fire code. It sets rules for fire prevention in buildings and during construction, hazardous materials, hot work and many other activities. Contractors, owners and workers deal with fire marshals and the IFC more than they realize.

• Construction
• Facility Managers
• Contractors

What the IFC is, and how it’s used

• The IFC is a model code. A state, county or city passes a law adopting a particular edition (it is published every three years), usually with amendments. The adopted version is the law in that place. See Building Codes.
• It is enforced by the fire code official (fire marshal or fire prevention bureau), who issues permits, reviews plans, inspects buildings and can order corrections or stop work. This person is the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for fire matters.
• The IFC works with the International Building Code (IBC), which covers construction, and with NFPA standards, which the IFC references for details such as sprinklers and alarms. See NFPA 13 & 25: Sprinkler Systems and NFPA 30.
• OSHA covers workplace fire protection for employees, and the fire code covers the building and its occupants, so many places follow both. See Jobsite Fire Prevention and Exit Routes.
• Some states use their own fire codes, such as the NFPA 1, or a state fire code. Check which code applies where you work.

Main topics in the IFC

• General requirements: permits, inspections, enforcement, open burning, fire protection equipment maintenance, and rules for places of assembly and special events.
• Fire apparatus access and water supply: roads, hydrants and access for fire trucks (see below).
• Fire protection systems: sprinklers, alarms, standpipes, fire pumps and smoke control, and their inspection and testing.
• Means of egress: exits, exit signs, emergency lighting and keeping exits clear. See Exit Routes.
• Fire safety during construction and demolition (Chapter 33).
• Hot work (welding, cutting and similar), with permit and fire watch rules. See Hot Work Permits.
• Flammable and combustible liquids, compressed gases, hazardous materials, LP-gas, dust, lithium batteries and other special hazards. See NFPA 58: LP-Gas Code and Flammable Liquids.
• Energy storage, solar and other new technologies that the code covers as they emerge. See Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

Operational permits

• The IFC requires operational permits for certain hazardous activities and operations. Examples include hot work, storing or using flammable liquids and compressed gases above set amounts, spraying or dipping, tents and temporary structures, fireworks and pyrotechnics, and welding and cutting in some places.
• Some work needs construction permits for installing fire alarm and sprinkler systems, fuel tanks and similar equipment.
• The local code determines which permits are required, and many places have added or changed them. Ask the fire marshal before starting work and keep permits on site. See Building Permits & Inspections.

Fire department access

• Fire apparatus access roads must be wide enough and strong enough for fire trucks. The IFC’s typical minimum is 20 feet wide with 13 feet 6 inches of vertical clearance, and the code covers turnarounds, dead ends, surface and gates.
• Fire lanes and access must stay clear and not be blocked by vehicles, materials or fences. Keep access during construction.
• Hydrants and water supply must be available when combustible materials arrive on site, and kept accessible. Many codes require hydrants before building starts.
• Fire department connections and control valves must be visible and unblocked. See fire department access on jobsites.

Construction and demolition (Chapter 33)

Fires during construction are common because of open framing, temporary heat, hot work, stored materials and disabled protection systems. The IFC’s construction chapter typically calls for:

• A site fire safety program, with a fire prevention program supervisor on larger projects, and training of workers on fire prevention.
• Access and water supply for the fire department, and clear emergency routes.
• Control of hot work, temporary heating, smoking and open flames, and storage of flammable and combustible materials. See Temporary Heaters, Smoking & Vaping and Fuel Storage Tanks on Jobsites.
• Fire protection as the building rises: standpipes installed and usable as construction progresses, sprinklers in service as soon as possible, and fire extinguishers on each floor. See NFPA 241.
• Fire watch when required, such as for hot work or when systems are out of service. See Fire Alarm & Sprinkler Impairments.
• Temporary and wood-frame buildings get extra attention, since wood-frame fires under construction spread fast and can destroy neighboring buildings.
• Demolition plans must handle utilities and hazardous materials, and keep fire protection in occupied areas. See Interior Demolition & Strip-Out.

Inspections and enforcement

• Fire inspectors can inspect buildings and construction sites, often yearly or on a schedule, and check exits, extinguishers, sprinklers, alarms, storage, housekeeping and permits.
• They can issue notices of violation, require corrections by a date, issue fines, and in serious cases order evacuation or stop work.
• Be cooperative, ask for the code section cited, keep records of corrections and use the appeal process if you disagree.
• Fire inspections are separate from OSHA inspections, but both may result from a serious fire. See OSHA Inspections.

What contractors and workers should do

• Find out which fire code and edition applies to your project and call the fire marshal early to learn the permits, inspections and requirements.
• Get required permits before starting hot work, tank installations and other regulated activities, and follow their conditions.
• Keep access clear for the fire department, with hydrants and lanes open.
• Keep extinguishers, sprinklers and alarms working, and tag impairments. See Extinguisher Inspections.
• Store materials safely and keep housekeeping tidy: trash, sawdust and combustible debris are fuel. See Housekeeping.
• Train workers on fire prevention, emergency plans and evacuation. See Emergency Action Plans.
• Report fires and near misses, even small ones.

IFC checklist for a project

• I know which fire code and edition apply, and I have talked to the fire marshal
• Operational and construction permits are in hand and posted
• Fire apparatus access, hydrants and connections are clear
• Hot work, heaters, fuel and smoking are controlled; fire watch is set up where required
• Extinguishers, standpipes and sprinklers are in service as the building progresses
• Impairments are tagged and reported; workers are trained in fire prevention

Note: The IFC is copyrighted by the ICC. This page describes it in general terms. Requirements differ by edition and local amendments, so use the code your jurisdiction has adopted.

Last updated: October 4, 2026