Fire code by state · sources checked October 11, 2026
All 50 states and DC in one table: the fire code each one adopted, the model-code edition behind it, how far it reaches and who enforces workplace safety. Every row links to the official source we read.
A reference, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add their own rules, and your local fire official has the final say.
Select a state to jump to its row. Colors show the model code each state starts from; most add their own amendments.
Before you start
The table
Sort with the arrows in the column headings, or filter by code family, reach or workplace safety coverage. On a phone, each state shows as its own card.
Showing 51 of 51 (50 states and DC)
| Adopted fire code | Sources | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlabamaEvacuation map guide | IFCState Fire Marshal rule 482-2-1012021 International Fire CodeLife safety: Health care facility projects under state health rules use NFPA 101, 2012 edition. | 2021 | Not stated in the source | Check locallyAdopted by State Fire Marshal rule, leaving out Part 2 of Chapter 1. | Federal OSHA | |
| AlaskaEvacuation map guide | IFCAlaska Fire Code (Division of Fire and Life Safety)2021 International Fire Code with Alaska amendments | 2021 | Not stated in the source | Check locallyThe Division applies its codes to all buildings except homes with fewer than four units. | State plan | |
| ArizonaEvacuation map guide | IFCArizona State Fire Code2024 International Fire Code | 2024 | April 13, 2026 | Certain buildingsState and county buildings, schools, and places with no local fire code of their own. | State plan | |
| ArkansasEvacuation map guide | IFCArkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume I2021 International Fire Code with Arkansas amendments | 2021 | Not stated in the source | Check locally | Federal OSHA | |
| CaliforniaEvacuation map guide | IFC2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)2024 International Fire Code with California amendments | 2024 | January 1, 2026 | State minimumCities and counties may add stricter local amendments. | State plan | |
| ColoradoEvacuation map guide | IFCColorado fire safety rules (8 CCR 1507-101)2021 International Fire CodeLife safety: The same rule also references NFPA 101, 2012 edition. | 2021 | Not stated in the source | Certain buildingsBuildings and life safety systems overseen by the state Division of Fire Prevention and Control. | Federal OSHA | |
| ConnecticutEvacuation map guide | State / mixState Fire Safety Code and State Fire Prevention Code (2022)2022 state codes; the Fire Prevention Code builds on NFPA 1, 2021 editionComing up: Draft 2026 codes, with a Fire Safety Code based on the 2024 International Fire Code, named July 1, 2026 as the intended start date. We could not confirm that they took effect. | 2021 | October 1, 2022 | Check locallyConfirm with the Office of the State Fire Marshal which edition applies to your building. | Federal OSHA (state plan for public workers) | |
| DelawareEvacuation map guide | NFPADelaware State Fire Prevention Regulations (Regulation 701)NFPA 1 Fire Code, 2024 editionLife safety: The regulations also adopt NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2024 edition. | 2024 | January 1, 2026 | Check locally | Federal OSHA | |
| District of Columbia | IFCDistrict of Columbia Fire Code (part of the 2017 DC Construction Codes)2015 International Fire Code with DC amendments | 2015 | Not stated in the source | StatewideOne fire code for the whole District. | Federal OSHA | |
| FloridaEvacuation map guide | NFPAFlorida Fire Prevention CodeNFPA 1 and NFPA 101, 2021 Florida editionsLife safety: NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (Florida 2021 edition) is part of the state code. | 2021 | December 31, 2023 | State minimumState law treats it as adopted by every city, county and special district with fire safety duties. | Federal OSHA | |
| GeorgiaEvacuation map guide | IFCGeorgia mandatory minimum fire code2024 International Fire Code | 2024 | January 1, 2026 | StatewideListed among Georgia’s mandatory minimum codes; the State Fire Marshal handles the state amendments. | Federal OSHA | |
| HawaiiEvacuation map guide | NFPAHawaii State Fire CodeNFPA 1 Fire Code, 2024 edition, with state amendments | 2024 | Not stated in the source | Check locallyAccepted by the State Fire Council on September 5, 2025. Counties get two years to adopt it with local amendments, so your county may still enforce its earlier fire code. | State plan | |
| IdahoEvacuation map guide | IFCIdaho fire code (State Fire Marshal)2018 International Fire Code | 2018 | Not stated in the source | State minimumState law makes the adopted fire code the minimum standard. | Federal OSHA | |
| IllinoisEvacuation map guide | NFPAIllinois Life Safety Code (Office of the State Fire Marshal)NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2015 edition | 2015 | January 1, 2020 | State minimumAdopted by the State Fire Marshal as the state minimum. | Federal OSHA (state plan for public workers) | |
| IndianaEvacuation map guide | IFC2014 Indiana Fire Code2012 International Fire Code with Indiana amendmentsComing up: A 2026 Indiana Fire Code based on the 2024 International Fire Code has been proposed. | 2012 | December 1, 2014 | Check locally | State plan | |
| IowaEvacuation map guide | IFCIowa fire safety rules (Iowa Admin. Code 481, chapter 280)2024 International Fire CodeLife safety: New hospitals follow Chapter 18 of NFPA 101, 2012 edition. | 2024 | Not stated in the source | State minimum | State plan | |
| KansasEvacuation map guide | State / mixKansas Fire Prevention Code (K.A.R. 22-1)2006 International Fire Code and NFPA 101, 2006 edition | 2006 | Not stated in the source | State minimumLocal fire codes and local changes go to the State Fire Marshal for review and approval. | Federal OSHA | |
| KentuckyEvacuation map guide | NFPAKentucky Standards of Safety (815 KAR 10:060)NFPA 1 and NFPA 101, 2018 editions | 2018 | Not stated in the source | StatewideCovers all buildings except one- and two-family homes. | State plan | |
| LouisianaEvacuation map guide | State / mixLouisiana State Uniform Fire Prevention CodeNFPA 1 or the International Fire Code, edition set by State Fire Marshal rule | No single edition | Not stated in the source | State minimumSet by state law (R.S. 40:1578.6, as amended effective July 1, 2026). Local governments may adopt stricter rules. | Federal OSHA | |
| MaineEvacuation map guide | NFPAMaine state-adopted NFPA codes (Office of the State Fire Marshal)NFPA 1 and NFPA 101, 2018 editions | 2018 | Not stated in the source | Check locally | Federal OSHA (state plan for public workers) | |
| MarylandEvacuation map guide | NFPAMaryland State Fire Prevention Code (COMAR 29.06.01)NFPA 1 and NFPA 101, 2024 editions | 2024 | Not stated in the source | Check locally | State plan | |
| MassachusettsEvacuation map guide | NFPAMassachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code (527 CMR 1.00)NFPA 1, 2021 edition, with Massachusetts amendments | 2021 | December 9, 2022 | Statewide | Federal OSHA (state plan for public workers) | |
| MichiganEvacuation map guide | State / mixMichigan fire safety rules (Fire Prevention Code, MCL 29.3c)Separate state rules by building type, with no single model edition | No single edition | Not stated in the source | Certain buildingsState rules cover listed building types such as schools, state buildings, health facilities and places of assembly. | State plan | |
| MinnesotaEvacuation map guide | IFC2020 Minnesota State Fire Code2018 International Fire Code with Minnesota amendments | 2018 | March 31, 2020 | Statewide | State plan | |
| MississippiEvacuation map guide | IFCMississippi Fire Prevention Code2024 International Fire Code | 2024 | July 1, 2024 | Certain buildingsState buildings, public assembly buildings and high-rises, unless a local code at least as strict applies. | Federal OSHA | |
| MissouriEvacuation map guide | LocalNo statewide fire codeFire codes are adopted locally | Not applicable | Not applicable | Local codes only | Federal OSHA | |
| MontanaEvacuation map guide | IFCMontana fire code rule (ARM 23.12.601)2024 International Fire Code | 2024 | September 26, 2026 | Check locally | Federal OSHA | |
| NebraskaEvacuation map guide | NFPANebraska Fire Code (State Fire Marshal)NFPA 1, 2012 edition, with Nebraska amendments, plus NFPA 101 | 2012 | Not stated in the source | Check locallyThe State Fire Marshal has delegated enforcement to local fire prevention staff in nine cities. | Federal OSHA | |
| NevadaEvacuation map guide | IFCNevada fire code (NAC 477.281, State Fire Marshal)2024 International Fire Code | 2024 | Not stated in the source | Check locally | State plan | |
| New HampshireEvacuation map guide | NFPANew Hampshire State Fire Code (Saf-FMO 300)NFPA 1 and NFPA 101, 2024 editions, as amended | 2024 | July 27, 2026 | Statewide | Federal OSHA | |
| New JerseyEvacuation map guide | IFCNew Jersey Uniform Fire Code2018 International Fire Code, New Jersey Edition | 2018 | October 15, 2024 | Statewide | Federal OSHA (state plan for public workers) | |
| New MexicoEvacuation map guide | IFCNew Mexico Fire Code (10.25.5 NMAC)2021 International Fire Code | 2021 | November 1, 2022 | State minimumThe rule sets the state’s minimum requirements for fire and explosion hazards. | State plan | |
| New YorkEvacuation map guide | IFC2025 Fire Code of New York State2024 International Fire Code with New York changes | 2024 | December 31, 2025 | StatewidePart of the state’s Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. | Federal OSHA (state plan for public workers) | |
| North CarolinaEvacuation map guide | State / mixNorth Carolina Fire Code (one of the 2018 NC State Building Codes)State edition of the fire codeComing up: The 2024 North Carolina codes have been approved. The Office of State Fire Marshal posts the date they take over. | 2018 | January 1, 2019 | Check locally | State plan | |
| North DakotaEvacuation map guide | IFCNorth Dakota State Fire Code (N.D. Admin. Code 45-18-01)2021 International Fire Code with North Dakota changes | 2021 | Not stated in the source | StatewideThe rule applies to all persons unless they are specifically exempted. | Federal OSHA | |
| OhioEvacuation map guide | IFC2025 Ohio Fire Code2021 International Fire Code, with Chapter 12 from the 2024 edition | 2021 | November 20, 2025 | Statewide | Federal OSHA | |
| OklahomaEvacuation map guide | IFCOklahoma fire code (adopted by the Uniform Building Code Commission)2024 International Fire Code | 2024 | September 14, 2026 | State minimumThe Commission sets minimum statewide codes for the built environment. | Federal OSHA | |
| OregonEvacuation map guide | IFC2025 Oregon Fire Code2024 International Fire Code with Oregon amendments | 2024 | October 1, 2025 | Check locally | State plan | |
| PennsylvaniaEvacuation map guide | LocalNo stand-alone statewide fire codeMunicipalities decide whether to adopt a fire codeBuilding code, not a fire code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Its latest update took effect on January 1, 2026, and it uses the 2021 International Fire Code only where its other adopted codes refer to it. | Not applicable | Not applicable | Local codes onlyAsk your municipality which fire code, if any, it enforces. | Federal OSHA | |
| Rhode IslandEvacuation map guide | NFPARhode Island Fire Safety CodeNFPA 1 and NFPA 101, 2021 editions | 2021 | Not stated in the source | StatewideCovers new and existing buildings. | Federal OSHA | |
| South CarolinaEvacuation map guide | IFC2021 South Carolina Fire Code2021 International Fire Code with South Carolina modificationsComing up: The Building Codes Council has published 2024 code modifications. Check with the Council for the start date. | 2021 | January 1, 2023 | StatewideOne of the mandatory codes for every city and county. | State plan | |
| South DakotaEvacuation map guide | IFCSouth Dakota fire safety rule (ARSD 61:15:01:01)2015 International Fire Code | 2015 | Not stated in the source | Check locally | Federal OSHA | |
| TennesseeEvacuation map guide | IFCTennessee State Fire Marshal adopted codes2021 International Fire CodeLife safety: Rules effective April 17, 2025 stopped adopting NFPA 101 for schools and daycares. | 2021 | Not stated in the source | State minimumAdopted statewide, but some exempt cities and counties enforce codes they adopted themselves. | State plan | |
| TexasEvacuation map guide | NFPAState Fire Marshal’s Office fire codeNFPA 1 and NFPA 101, 2021 editions | 2021 | September 1, 2023 | Certain buildingsUsed for the buildings the State Fire Marshal’s Office inspects. | Federal OSHA | |
| UtahEvacuation map guide | IFCUtah State Fire Code2024 International Fire Code with Utah amendments | 2024 | Not stated in the source | StatewideWritten into state law and amended in the 2026 General Session. | State plan | |
| VermontEvacuation map guide | NFPA2025 Vermont Fire & Building Safety CodeNFPA 1 and NFPA 101, 2021 editions; the same code also adopts the 2021 International Building Code | 2021 | Not stated in the source | Check locally | State plan | |
| VirginiaEvacuation map guide | IFCVirginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (2021 edition)2021 International Fire Code with Virginia amendmentsComing up: The state housing department is drafting a 2024 edition based on the 2024 International Fire Code. | 2021 | January 18, 2024 | State minimumLocal governments may adopt fire rules that are stricter or broader than the state code. | State plan | |
| WashingtonEvacuation map guide | IFC2021 Washington State Fire Code2021 International Fire Code with Washington amendmentsComing up: The 2024 state codes take effect May 3, 2027. | 2021 | Not stated in the source | Statewide | State plan | |
| West VirginiaEvacuation map guide | NFPAWest Virginia State Fire Code (87 CSR 1)NFPA 1, 2021 edition, with NFPA 101 (2021) adopted in full | 2021 | July 1, 2026 | Check locally | Federal OSHA | |
| WisconsinEvacuation map guide | NFPAWisconsin fire prevention code (SPS 314)NFPA 1, 2012 edition, with Wisconsin changes | 2012 | Not stated in the source | StatewideCovers the use, operation and maintenance of public buildings and places of employment. | Federal OSHA | |
| WyomingEvacuation map guide | IFCWyoming State Fire Marshal plan review code2024 International Fire Code | 2024 | June 28, 2024 | Check locallyRequired for plan review submissions to the State Fire Marshal from that date. | State plan |
Spotted something out of date? States revise their codes every few years. Tell us and we will check the official source again.
One state at a time
The picker shows the same facts for a single state, with links to its evacuation map guide and to the advisor, which turns your building details into a checklist for your map.
Pick a state to see the fire code it adopted, how far that code reaches and who handles workplace safety for private employers.
No state selected yet.
Three codes, three jobs
The names sound alike, but each one answers a different question about your building. Here is how they relate to an evacuation map.
Sets how a building is designed and built: how many exits, how wide, how far apart, and which systems must be installed when the building goes up or is remodeled.
For your map: Your exits and stairs come from here. A map shows what the building code already put in place.
Covers how a building is used and kept up day to day: exits kept clear, alarms and extinguishers maintained, storage kept in check and emergency plans kept current.
For your map: In IFC states, Chapter 4 decides which buildings need a written fire safety and evacuation plan and what its floor plans show.
Focuses on getting people out safely: means of egress, alarms and the features that protect people while they leave. Some states use it statewide; others use it only for certain buildings, such as health care.
For your map: Where it applies, ask your fire official which emergency plan and drill rules come with it.
IFC states
In the 2021 International Fire Code, Section 403 lists the buildings that need an approved fire safety and evacuation plan. Section numbers and details shift between editions and state amendments, so treat this as a guide to the questions to ask. NFPA-based states organize these rules differently.
| Building | Plan needed when | 2021 IFC |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants, theaters, gyms, places of worship and other assembly spaces (Group A) | Always, except places used only for worship with fewer than 2,000 people. Also any building that has both an assembly space and an atrium. | 403.2 |
| Offices, clinics and other business space (Group B) | 500 or more people, more than 100 people above or below the main exit level, or a building with an ambulatory care facility. | 403.3 |
| Schools through grade 12 and some day care (Group E) | Always. | 403.4 |
| Factories and workshops (Group F) | 500 or more people, more than 100 people above or below the main exit level, or pallet making and recycling. | 403.5 |
| High-hazard buildings (Group H) | Always. | 403.6 |
| Hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, jails and similar institutional buildings (Group I) | Always. | 403.7 |
| Stores (Group M) | 500 or more people, more than 100 people above or below the main exit level, or a store in a building with an atrium. | 403.8 |
| Hotels and motels (Group R-1) | Always. Every guest room also gets its own drawing of two exit paths, mounted on the room’s exit door or beside it. | 403.9.1 |
| Apartments, college housing and dorms (Group R-2) | Apartments need a fire emergency guide for tenants. College buildings need a full plan, and dorm rooms need a two-route diagram at the door. | 403.9.2 |
| Residential care homes (Group R-4) | Always. | 403.9.3 |
| Any building that is a high-rise, underground, or a mall over 50,000 square feet | Always. | 403.10 |
| Warehouses and storage (Group S) | No general warehouse rule. A plan becomes required once high-piled storage gets very large: over 500,000 sq ft of Class I–IV goods, or over 300,000 sq ft of high-hazard goods. | 403.10.5 |
2021 IFC Section 404.2.2, item 4.
Plans are reviewed or updated every year, and sooner when staff duties, occupancy or the building layout change (404.3). They stay available to employees, and the fire code official can ask for a copy (404.4).
Read the code text: 2021 IFC Chapter 4 on ICC Digital Codes.
Federal rules
Fire codes are state and local law. OSHA rules protect employees and apply alongside them. OSHA’s plan rule, 29 CFR 1910.38, kicks in once some other OSHA standard calls for an emergency action plan. The plan covers how to report an emergency, how people evacuate and which exit routes they use, how everyone is accounted for afterward, and who to contact. A workplace with 10 or fewer employees can explain the plan out loud rather than write it down.
OSHA does not require a posted map in every workplace, but a map is one of the clearest ways to show exit route assignments. In state-plan states, a state agency enforces rules that are at least as effective as federal OSHA and can be stricter.
OSHA’s posted maximum penalties are $16,550 per serious violation and $165,514 per willful or repeated violation (osha.gov, checked October 11, 2026).
Make the map
Upload a floor plan, PDF or a clear photo of a sketch, one floor at a time. You get a draft with routes, exits and safety equipment to check against the building and edit before you post it.
Every result is a draft. Walk the building, confirm exits and equipment, and follow your local fire code.
Questions
Most states adopt a version of the International Fire Code or of NFPA 1, usually with their own amendments. A few write their own rules or mix codes. Missouri and Pennsylvania leave fire codes to local governments; Pennsylvania’s statewide Uniform Construction Code is a building code, not a fire code. Find your state in the table above; every row links to the official source we read.
Not always. Some states set a minimum that cities and counties can make stricter, and some apply the state code only to certain buildings while local codes cover the rest. Your local fire official, often the fire marshal or fire prevention office, has the final say for your building.
Both are model fire codes that states adopt and amend. The International Code Council publishes the IFC, and the National Fire Protection Association publishes NFPA 1. They are organized differently, so a rule quoted by section number from one will not line up with the other.
Only where your state or city has adopted NFPA 101, either for every building or for certain kinds, such as health care. The table mentions the Life Safety Code where an official state source names it. Ask your fire official if you are unsure.
OSHA’s emergency action plan rule (29 CFR 1910.38) applies when another OSHA standard calls for a plan. It requires written procedures and exit route assignments but does not use the word “map.” Many employers post a map because it shows routes at a glance, and some fire codes, such as the IFC for hotels and dorms, do require posted diagrams.
The 2021 IFC says fire safety and evacuation plans are reviewed or updated every year and whenever staff assignments, occupancy or the building layout change (Section 404.3). OSHA also requires reviewing the plan with employees when it changes. A map that no longer matches the building should be redrawn.
We checked every row against official state sources on October 11, 2026. States update their codes every few years and sometimes change dates after adoption, so open the source link and confirm with your fire official before you rely on a detail.
No. We help you make a draft evacuation map that you check and edit before posting. We do not inspect buildings or approve plans. Your local fire official and, for workplace rules, OSHA or your state plan decide whether a building complies.
How we checked: for each state we read the fire marshal’s or code agency’s own pages, the state administrative code or ICC Digital Codes, and OSHA’s State Plans pages on October 11, 2026. We list an effective date or an upcoming edition only when the official source states it.
