2018 International Fire Code

• The 2018 International Fire Code® (IFC), developed by the International Code Council (ICC), is a comprehensive code that establishes minimum fire safety requirements for new and existing buildings, facilities, and conditions. It is part of the family of International Codes (I-Codes) and works in coordination with the International Building Code (IBC) and other model codes to protect life and property from fire and explosion hazards. 

The primary goal of the IFC is to:

• Safeguard life and property from fire and explosion.
• Ensure the operational safety of buildings and facilities.
• Provide clear and enforceable fire prevention and protection standards.
• Support fire department access, response, and inspection procedures.

• Key aspects:
  • General Scope and Application
  • Fire Protection Systems
  • Means of Egress
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Construction and Demolition Safety
  • Operational Permits
  • Emergency Planning and Preparedness
  • Fire Department Access and Water Supply
  • Special Occupancy Requirements
• Highlights:
  • Clearer criteria for when sprinkler systems and fire alarms are required based on occupancy, size, and use.
  • Improved rules for maintaining clear egress pathways in both new and existing buildings.

Increased detail on:

• Maximum allowable quantities (MAQs)
• Spill control and secondary containment
• Indoor and outdoor storage requirements

• New provisions for lithium-ion battery storage and recycling—a response to growing fire risks.
• Improved Fire Department Access and Water Supply
• Expanded list of operations requiring fire permits, including:

• Indoor pyrotechnics
• Flammable/combustible liquids
• High-piled storage
• Temporary tents and canopies

About ICC

International Code Council is a leading organization dedicated to developing a single set of comprehensive, coordinated national model construction codes. To date, 48 U.S. states have adopted various international codes from the International Code Council.

Other Works:

• 2012 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2018 International Mechanical Code
• 2021 International Building Code