LARGE LOSS FIRES: LESSONS LEARNED Office of State Fire Marshal – Department of Fire Services & Department of Public Safety March 2009

GEORGETOWN 1/3/2007

RALEIGH, NC 2/22/2007

NORWICH, CT 2/26/2007

BEVERLY 5/3/2007

PEABODY 5/29/2008

GLOUCESTER 12/15/2007

©Doug Boudrow MARBLEHEAD 11/12/2005

DANVERS 4/7/2007

E. LONGMEADOW 9/28/2007

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA 8/13/2008

NEWTON 2/9/2000

DANVERS 11/26/2006

UXBRIDGE 7/21/2007

NYC 9/11/2001

WEST WARWICK, RI 2/20/2003

Be able to recount recent large loss fire incidents from this decade OBJECTIVE Be able to recount recent large loss fire incidents from this decade Identify preventative fire safety tools that reduce the likelihood of similar future fire incidents. Department of Fire Services

AGENDA PART I – Overview of recent significant fires PART II – Review resulting enforcement & code issues PART III – Prevention tools Department of Fire Services

Overview of recent significant fires PART I Overview of recent significant fires Department of Fire Services

LARGE LOSS FIRES - DEFINED According to the NFPA: large loss fires are defined as events that lead to property damage of at least $5 million. Department of Fire Services

GEORGETOWN MA Longview at Georgetown Department of Fire Services

The Building: Longview at Georgetown Department of Fire Services

Georgetown: Building Construction Department of Fire Services

Georgetown: Building Construction Constructed in 2004 Apartment complex Wood Frame with truss roof construction Sprinkler system: NFPA 13R (No sprinkler system in the attic or concealed spaces) Exterior:Vinyl siding Two 12 unit buildings which were attached and offset 3 ½ stories high (top floor apt.’s had loft’s) Department of Fire Services

The Fire: Jan. 3, 2007 7 Patriot Lane - Georgetown Department of Fire Services

Georgetown: Cause & Origin Determination Undetermined Fire started on 3rd floor balcony Spread to vinyl siding Extended upward on exterior into attic Department of Fire Services

Georgetown: The Aftermath Department of Fire Services

Highlands at Dearborn Apartments PEABODY MA Highlands at Dearborn Apartments Department of Fire Services

The Building: Highlands at Dearborn Apartment - Peabody Department of Fire Services

Building Construction: Highlands at Dearborn Apartment - Peabody Constructed in 2006 Wood frame with truss roof construction. Sprinkler System: NFPA 13R+ (sprinklers in bathrooms, closets, some overhangs; no sprinklers in attic or concealed spaces) Exterior: Vinyl Siding The length of the structure was approx. 250 feet Varying width between approximately 12 feet to 85 feet depending on location within the structure. The structure had one story below grade and three stories above grade. Department of Fire Services

The Building: Highlands at Dearborn Apartment - Peabody Area of structure (square feet) Basement 7880 First (Ground) 14544 Second 14679 Third 14679 Aggregate (All floors) 51782 Department of Fire Services

The Fire: May 29, 2008 Highlands at Dearborn – 8 Ashford Trial Peabody Department of Fire Services

Peabody: Cause & Origin Determination Careless disposal of smoking materials Mulch fire spread to vinyl siding Mulch fire caused failure of gas meter bank Extended upward on exterior into attic Fire spread throughout attic Department of Fire Services

Peabody: The Aftermath Department of Fire Services

NORWICH CT Department of Fire Services Stonington Estates

Building Construction: Stonington Estates - Norwich Constructed in 2005 Condominium complex Wood Frame with truss roof construction Sprinkler System: NFPA 13R (no sprinkler system in the attic or concealed spaces) Exterior: Vinyl siding Size: 222’ x 56’ = 12432 sq. ft/floor 3 stories, No basement Department of Fire Services

The Fire: Feb. 26, 2007 102 Stonington Rd - Norwich Department of Fire Services

Norwich: Cause & Origin Determination Undetermined origin Fire started on exterior porch Extended to vinyl siding Extended upward on exterior into attic Department of Fire Services

RALEIGH NC Pine Knoll Townes Department of Fire Services

The Buildings: Pine Knoll Townes - Raleigh Department of Fire Services

Building Construction: Pine Knoll Townes - Raleigh Construction began in 2006 and was ongoing. Project was ¼ built out Wood Frame with truss roof construction Vinyl siding Smoke detectors and sprinklers in the living spaces Townhouse complex 2 story, 3 bedroom units, 4 units per bldg Department of Fire Services

The Fire: Raleigh Feb 22, 2007 22 units destroyed, 16 units damaged, 13 cars lost Department of Fire Services

Fire extension: Raleigh Department of Fire Services

Raleigh: Cause & Origin Determination Discarded smoking material Ignited landscaping products Fire ignited the vinyl siding Extended up ward into attic space Wind caused fire to jump from building to building Department of Fire Services

AUBURN MA Lodge at Eddy Pond (Assisted living complex) Department of Fire Services

The Fire: Lodge at Eddy Pond - Auburn 669 Washington Street January 10, 2006, 2 Alarms Sprinklers contained the fire Department of Fire Services

Building Construction: Lodge at Eddy Pond - Auburn Recently built Wood frame construction Vinyl siding 60’ x 400’ x 3 stories 85 residents NFPA 13R+ Sprinkler system (additional sprinklers in the attic) Department of Fire Services

Cause & Origin Determination: Auburn Undetermined Fire spread up exterior Fire spread into attic space Fire controlled by fire sprinklers in attic Department of Fire Services

Review resulting enforcement & code issues PART II Review resulting enforcement & code issues Department of Fire Services

Code and Regulatory Analysis 3 sources for the Commonwealth of MA MA Comprehensive Fire Safety Code: 527 CMR (“Fire Code”) MA State Building Code: 780 CMR (“Building Code”) MGL Chapter 148 (“Fire Prevention Laws”) Department of Fire Services

This presentation is based on 7th edition Building Code This presentation is based on 7th edition Department of Fire Services

Building Size Construction Type Use Group Access Sprinkler Protection Department of Fire Services

Building Size Area Height Table 503 “Allowable Height and Building Areas” [Handout] Department of Fire Services

Building Size Calc - Example Type VA construction R-2 Use NFPA 13 fire sprinkler system 100% open space (40 feet wide) 4-story Department of Fire Services

Building Size Calc - Example Table 503 12,000 square feet (4 stories w/ sprinklers – Section 504.2) Section 506.2 Frontage increase 75% of Table 503 12,000 x 0.75 = 9,000 square feet Department of Fire Services

Building Size Calc - Example Section 506.3 Sprinkler increase 200% of Table 503 12,000 x 2 = 24,000 square feet Section 506.1 Allowable area per floor 12,000 + 24,000 + 9,000 = 45,000 square feet per floor Department of Fire Services

Building Size Calc - Example Section 506.4(2) Aggregate Building Area Allowable area per floor x 3 45,000 sq. ft. x 3 = 135,000 square feet For consistent size floors 135,000 sq. ft. / 4 floors = 33,750 square feet per floor Department of Fire Services

Construction Type Type I (A, B) - building elements are of noncombustible materials. Type II (A, B) – building elements are of noncombustible materials. Type III (A, B) - exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of any material permitted Department of Fire Services

Construction Type Type IV (HT) – heavy timber, exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of solid or laminated wood without concealed spaces Type V (A,B) - structural elements, exterior walls and interior walls are of any materials permitted Department of Fire Services

Findings Many large residential buildings are being constructed with wood frame construction (Typically Type VA) Many building renovations done without building permits are found to have changed construction type – resulting in mixed construction Sometimes overlooked during building renovations Department of Fire Services

Use Group Designation Assembly (A-1, A-2r, A-2nc, A-3, A-4 and A-5) Business (B) Educational (E) Factory/Industrial (F-1, F-2) High Hazard (H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5) Institutional (I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4) Mercantile (M) Residential (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) Storage (S-1, S-2) Utility and Miscellaneous (U) Special Use (See Chapter 4) Department of Fire Services

Use Group Designation Residential R-1: transient residential R-2: multiple-family & townhouses of 3-dwelling+ R-3: all others including ½-family detached dwellings R-4: certain residential care facilities Department of Fire Services

Use Group Designation High Hazard Use Table 307.7(1) and 307.7(2) [Handout] Department of Fire Services

Special Use Groups 402 Covered Mall Buildings 403 High-Rise Buildings 404 Atriums 405 Underground Buildings 406 Motor-vehicle-related Occupancies 407 Group I-2 408 Group I-3 409 Motion Picture Projection Rooms 410 Stages and Platforms Department of Fire Services

Special Use Groups 411 Special Amusement Buildings 412 Aircraft-related Occupancies 413 Combustible Storage 414 Hazardous Materials 415 Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 416 Application of Flammable Finishes 417 Drying Rooms 418 Organic Coatings 419 Mobile Units Department of Fire Services

Special Use Groups 420 Swimming Pools 421 Group Residence 422 Day Care Centers 423 Summer Camps for Children 424 Bulk Merchandising Retail Buildings 425 Limited Group Residence 426 Detoxification Facilities 427 Group Dwelling Units Department of Fire Services

Special Use Groups Garages (Handout – Section 406) 406.1 Private (Handout - ICC Interp) 406.2 Parking Garages 406.3 Open Garages 406.4 Enclosed Garages 406.5 Motor Fuel Dispensing (see 527 CMR) 406.6 Repair Garages Department of Fire Services

Building Use Designation Single Use Separated Mixed Use Nonseparated Mixed Use Occupancies may have incidental or accesory use areas [handout for 780 CMR:302.2 defining accesory] Department of Fire Services

Findings Divergent interpretations of Use/Building designations for typical multiple-family residential structures – especially related to parking garages, storage areas, and community amenities. Finding that some architects are not investigating the use of hazardous materials to determine if within the maximum limits before H Use designation Uses being changed without obtaining building permit Department of Fire Services

Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems 780 CMR typically requires sprinklers in the entire building if triggered in 903.2. Example – “903.2.5 Group H. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings having a Group H occupancy.” This is significant amendment from model code (handout 6th edition Ch. 9 commentary) Department of Fire Services

Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems Not all fire sprinkler systems the same…. Property Protection & Life Safety 903.3.1.1 – NFPA 13-2007, all buildings including mixed use and residential only Life Safety of Occupants 903.3.1.2 – NFPA 13R-2007, single use residential buildings limited to <= 4 stories & 12,000 sq. ft. (per 780 CMR amendment) 903.3.1.3 – NFPA 13D-2007, single use residential buildings limited to <=3 dwelling units (per 780 CMR amendment) Department of Fire Services

Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems NFPA 13:8.15.1.1 Concealed Spaces Requiring Sprinkler Protection – “ All concealed spaces enclosed wholly or partly by exposed combustible construction shall be protected by sprinklers…” NFPA 13:8.15.7.1 – “…sprinklers shall be installed under exterior roofs, canopies, or porte-cocheres exceeding four feet in width” Department of Fire Services

Findings Relatively new buildings are suffering complete fire losses – resulting in significant monetary loss and community disruption. Building occupants generally believe the building to be protected if they see fire sprinklers. The cost of bringing community resources to suppress and deal with large building fires is many times more than the increased cost by the developer of installing an NFPA 13 system rather than NFPA 13R. The fire service considers large light-weight construction buildings “ticking time bombs” for the fire service and occupants. Consider that there is no detection and no suppression in the interstitial spaces when using NFPA 13R, and that many residents ignore fire alarms. Department of Fire Services

Findings Advantages of a NFPA 13 compliant system for similar structures were reinforced by a fire incident at the Lodge of Eddy Pond in Auburn MA on Jan. 10, 2006 Department of Fire Services

Findings Some architects/engineers are improperly specifying the use of NFPA 13R in mixed use buildings. Department of Fire Services

Findings Code change made from recommendation of State Fire Marshal – “903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 780 CMR 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R occupancy. For Use Group R Buildings with an aggregate building area of 12,000 sf or more, the sprinkler system shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 13. For the purposes of 780 CMR 903.2, the aggregate building area shall be the combined area of all stories of the building and fire walls shall not be considered to create separate buildings.” Department of Fire Services

Attics and Concealed Spaces 780 CMR:717.4.2 Exception #3 – “ In occupancies in Group R-2 that do not exceed four stories in height, the attic space shall be subdivided by draftstops into areas not exceeding 3,000 sq. feet or above every two dwelling units, whichever is smaller.” Department of Fire Services

Attics and Concealed Spaces Department of Fire Services

Attics and Concealed Spaces 780 CMR:1209.2 – “An opening not less than 20 inches by 30 inches shall be provided to any attic area having a clear height of over 30 inches. A 30-inch minimum clear headroom in the attic space shall be provided at or above the access opening. IBC-2003 COMMENTARY – “Openings located within the draftstop are required to be self-closing and the opening protective must provide structural fire integrity similar to the draftstop.” Department of Fire Services

Attics and Concealed Spaces 780 CMR:103.1 Maintenance – “all buildings and structures and all parts thereof, both existing and new, and all systems and equipment therein which are regulated by 780 CMR shall be maintained in a safe, operable and sanitary condition. All service equipment, means of egress, devices and safeguards…when erected, altered or repaired, shall be maintained in good working order.” Department of Fire Services

Findings Inspections of existing buildings often reveal numerous open penetrations have been made in the draft stops. Unprotected openings can range in size from small holes for wires to 2’ x 3’ access holes with no doors Unprotected openings in draft stops are often made by tradespeople or others, after the building is complete, to make easy access to all attic areas. Should be included as part of 106 inspections. Department of Fire Services

Findings While it is unlikely that draft stops with no openings would completely stop fire progress in the attic, it is reasonable to conclude that an uncompromised draft stop would slow fire progress. Draft stops may not be required if the attic has sprinkler protection. See 780 CMR 717.4.2 Exceptions #2 & #4. Department of Fire Services

Balconies 780 CMR: 1406.3 Exception #3 – “Balconies and similar appendages on buildings of…Type V construction shall be permitted to be of Type V construction, and shall not be required to have a fire resistance rating where sprinkler protection is extended to these areas.” [Handout] Department of Fire Services

Findings This provision for sprinklers on combustible balconies has been overlooked on several projects The 7th edition of 780 CMR has likely indirectly addressed this by expressly requiring balcony sprinklers per 780 CMR:903.3.1.2.1 [NFPA 13R] and the requirements for NFPA 13 systems in many of these buildings per 780 CMR:903.2.8 Department of Fire Services

Combustible Exterior Siding 780 CMR 1406.2.1 Ignition Resistance – “Combustible exterior wall coverings shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 268. Exceptions: 4. Exterior wall coverings on exterior walls of Type V construction.” Department of Fire Services

Combustible Exterior Siding 780 CMR: 704.5 Fire Resistance Ratings – “Exterior walls shall be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Tables 601 & 602. The fire-resistance rating of exterior walls with a fire separation distance of greater than five feet shall be rated for exposure to fire from the inside. The fire resistance rating of exterior walls with a fire separation distance of five feet or less shall be rated for exposure to fire from both sides.” Department of Fire Services

Findings The combustible siding was allowed on many of the residential fires because Type V construction was used and/or the buildings had fire separation distances of more than five feet. The combustible siding was a direct factor in the spread/development of fire in the subject incidents. Department of Fire Services

Findings The combustible vinyl siding allows the fire to quickly extend up the side of the structure to the attic soffits. Buildings 50 feet to several hundred feet away have sustained radiation damage and exposure fire damage created by flying embers landing in bark mulch for landscaping. The spread of fire from the landscaping materials to the vinyl siding was generally uninhibited due to their close proximity. Department of Fire Services

Findings DFS/DPS staff will look at recommendations to the BBRS for consideration of removing ignition testing waivers for plastic siding used on Type V construction that appear in the national and state codes. (780 CMR:1406.2.1) BBRS will need to consider if it is beneficial or feasible to specify minimum vertical distances between the bottom of combustible siding and combustible landscaping. Department of Fire Services

Exterior Attic Soffit Construction Findings: DFS/DPS staff will research national code modifications of other States and make recommendations to BBRS for consideration of specifying combustibility and/or fire-resistance rating limitations for attic soffit construction. Findings: The rapid fire spread in several of the subject fires was a result of the fire burning quickly through vinyl soffit sheating and rapidly extending into the attic space. Department of Fire Services

Fire Walls 705.3 Materials. Fire walls shall be of any approved noncombustible materials. Exception: Buildings of Type V construction. Department of Fire Services

Fire Walls [handout] 705.6 Vertical Continuity. Fire walls shall extend from the foundation to a termination point at least 30 inches (762 mm) above both adjacent roofs. Exceptions: 4. In buildings of Type III, IV and V construction, walls shall be permitted to terminate at the underside of combustible roof sheathing or Department of Fire Services

Fire Walls 705.6 (cont’d) decks provided: 4.1. There are no openings in the roof within four feet (1220 mm) of the fire wall, 4.2. The roof is covered with a minimum Class B roof covering, and 4.3. The roof sheathing or deck is constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood for a distance of four feet (1220 mm) on both sides of the wall or the roof is protected with e inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum board directly beneath the underside of the roof sheathing or deck, supported by a minimum of two-inch (51 mm) nominal ledgers attached to the sides of the roof framing members for a minimum distance of four feet (1220 mm) on both sides of the fire wall. Department of Fire Services

Findings The term “fire wall” and “fire separation wall” are often confused. The two types of walls are not interchangeable. Department of Fire Services

Findings Fire resistance rating directories do not typically distinguish between “fire walls” and “fire separation walls”. It is important that the architect/engineer not only specify the required fire resistance rating of a wall assembly, but also establish if a true fire wall is required and specified per the provisions of 780 CMR. Because of the 780 CMR fire wall continuity requirements, the same fire-resistance rated design approach would need to be continuous for the entire height of the wall. Department of Fire Services

Findings Many of the directories for fire resistance rated walls specify limitations that must be met (i.e. maximum height) National and State building code making committees should revisit the waiver of parapets for fire walls – a feature required in early building codes to combat conflagrations from occurring. Department of Fire Services

Fire Suppression Water Flows 780 CMR: 903.2.8 Group R “An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 780 CMR 903.3 [NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, NFPA 13D] shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R occupancy.” Department of Fire Services

Fire Suppression Water Flows NFPA 13:11.1.4.2 – “The minimum water supply requirements for a sprinkler system shall be determined by adding the hose stream allowance to the water supply for the sprinklers.” NFPA 13:Table 11.2.3.1.2 (500gpm Extra Hazard; 250 gpm Ordinary Hazard; 100 gpm Light Hazard) Department of Fire Services

Fire Suppression Water Flows NFPA 13R:A.6.8.2 – “Other rules from NFPA 13 such as …hose stream demand…are not intended to be referenced by [NFPA 13R:] 6.8.2.” Department of Fire Services

Findings As NFPA 13 addresses only the fire sprinkler system design, the standard does not require provisions for fire flows. As such systems are meant for occupant life safety, NFPA 13R does not require consideration of fire flows in the water supply calculations. Traditionally, the requirements for outside fire flow are within the scope of the fire code. Where developed in 527 CMR, BBRS could consider the addition of correlating notes in Chapter 9 of 780 CMR. Department of Fire Services

Fire Department Apparatus Access Traditionally, the requirements for FD apparatus access are within the scope of the fire code. BBRS could consider the addition of correlating notes in Chapter 5 of 780 CMR. Department of Fire Services

Building Access for Fire Department 780 CMR:506.2 Frontage increase – “Every building shall adjoin or have access to a public way to receive an area increase for frontage. Where a building has more than 25% of perimeter on a public way or open space having a minimum width of 20 feet (6096 mm), the frontage increase shall be determined in accordance with the following: Department of Fire Services

Building Access for Fire Department If = Allowable area increase (%) F = Open frontage (feet) P = Perimeter length (feet) W = Width of open frontage (feet) **>20 ft. *Note Errata at www.mass.gov/dps Department of Fire Services

Findings 780 CMR:Table 503 Limits the size that a building can be built by limiting the area per floor, the number of stories, and the height. The limits specified by the table can be increased in certain situations by providing open spaces around the building (“frontage increase”) Department of Fire Services

Findings Interpretation of the 780 CMR criteria for what is considered “open space” is divergent. The building code commentary for the 2003 IBC explains that added open frontage is intended to give building trade-offs for buildings that have increased access for fire department use. Department of Fire Services

Findings The IBC 2003 commentary indicates that areas occupied as public streets and parking lots are qualified for the frontage increase. Interpretations are divergent on the impact of steep grades, landscaping, or other similar impediments, on a space’s qualification for frontage increases. Site layout is often decided way in advance of building permit application. Department of Fire Services

Findings DFS/DPS staff will look at recommendations to the BBRS for consideration of adding fire department input into the open space provisions that appear in the national and state codes. (780 CMR:506.2) Department of Fire Services

MA Comprehensive Fire Safety Code (527 CMR) Applies to all new & existing situations Department of Fire Services

Fire Department Access 527 CMR: 25.07 Buildings of Habitable Occupancy – “Each building built for residential occupancy after the approval of 527 CMR 25.00 (9/1/93) shall include a suitable paved access for fire apparatus on at lease one side of the structure. In addition, a clear, unobstructed way shall be provided from such fire apparatus access point to all exits of such building.” Department of Fire Services

Fire Department Access 527 CMR: 10.03(10)(a) – “The head of the fire department shall require and designate public or private fire lanes as deemed necessary for the efficient and effective use of fire apparatus. Fire lanes shall have a minimum width of 18 feet.” Department of Fire Services

Findings Even with sites that comply with the minimum requirements for fire apparatus access, direct access for additional apparatus may be lost once initial responding fire department apparatus were positioned. DFS staff will look at recommendations to the BFPR for consideration of adopting model development planning standards. Department of Fire Services

Fire Suppression Water Flows Findings: Some FD’s were experiencing insufficient water at subject fires to apply master streams to the burning structure. Findings: DFS staff will look at recommendations to the BFPR for consideration of adopting model development planning standards. Department of Fire Services

Fire Prevention Laws MGL Chap. 148 Section 26I – “In a city…which accepts the provision of this section, any building hereafter constructed or hereafter substantially rehabilitated so as to constitute the equivalent of new construction and occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes and containing not less than four dwelling units including, but not limited to…apartments…shall be equipped with an approved system of automatic sprinklers…” Department of Fire Services

Findings Findings: Where adopted, the fire sprinkler installation needs to be installed in accordance with the standards referenced in 780 CMR and the head of the fire department enforcing this provision needs to determine an “adequate” system. Department of Fire Services

PART III Prevention tools Department of Fire Services

Construction Control & Design Responsibilities 780 CMR:116 Construction Control requires involvement of registered professionals [Handout] Professional taking design responsibility – not the role of the code official Make sure the people are properly registered Submitted documents should have “wet stamp” with date and signature per statute PE must stamp every page per PE Board MA licenses individual architects/engineers not companies Department of Fire Services

Findings Multiple-board discussions and rulings are necessary to address Construction Control (BBRS, BFPR, PE, Architect) Project participants change responsible architect/engineer in middle of project Design architect/engineer is never established Installing contractors submit documents that have been reviewed by an architect/engineer that is not the responsible architect/engineer Architects/engineers not properly registered or following license regulations Department of Fire Services

Code Summary (recommended) Explains the designer’s methodology and basis of the building arrangement and overall fire protection requirements to the code official Department of Fire Services

Often done up front but not updated as changes are made in the project Findings Many of the summaries are “cookie cutter” and reference irrelevant codes/standards Often done up front but not updated as changes are made in the project Department of Fire Services

Chapter 34 Analysis Applies to renovations, alterations, and additions to existing buildings that are subject to Construction Control Determination of applicability based on the size of the overall building, not just the change. Answers questions as to what fire safety features are required as a result of the changes. The Fire Department, in addition to the Building Official, is charged with reviewing the Chapter 34 analysis as it relates to fire safety concerns (Chapter 9 and Chapter 4). Department of Fire Services

Findings Some code officials are inadvertently not requiring submittal of this helpful and code required analysis Department of Fire Services

Community Development Proceedings Many communities have been successful in addressing local fire department access and fire flow concerns through code official recommendations at local special permit/appeal hearings. Department of Fire Services

Submit code change proposals to ICC, NFPA, etc. Code Development These are your codes. Both 780 CMR and 527 CMR are changed frequently based on public comments. Anyone can submit public comments to the Boards and attend Board meetings. There is a Fire Prevention Fire Protection (FPFP) subcommittee of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS). Submit code change proposals to ICC, NFPA, etc. Department of Fire Services

Interpretation Disputes Questions can be sent to BBRS and BFPR, as applicable, to see if the board could issue an interpretation The Building Code Appeals Board is an avenue for parties aggrieved by a decision of the building official or, in some cases, the fire official. Department of Fire Services

CONTACTS Office of the State Fire Marshal Massachusetts Department of Fire Services PO Box 1025 1 State Road Stow MA 01775 www.mass.gov/dfs (978)567-3199 (fax) Fire Department Assistance North of Mass Pike: Dana.Haagensen@State.MA.US (978)567-3376 South/Along Mass Pike: Jacob.Nunnemacher@State.MA.US (978)567-3377 Fire Code Concerns: (978)567-3375 Building Code Assistance: www.mass.gov/dps Department of Fire Services