The 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) is a model code developed by the International Code Council (ICC) to establish minimum fire safety requirements for new and existing buildings, facilities, and processes. It provides a comprehensive approach to fire prevention, fire protection, life safety, and the safe storage and use of hazardous materials.

The primary purpose of the IFC is to safeguard life and property from fire and explosion hazards. It achieves this by regulating construction, maintenance, and operational practices for buildings and facilities to minimize risks associated with fire and hazardous materials.

The IFC ensures public safety by:

• Establishing fire prevention measures.
• Requiring fire protection systems like sprinklers and alarms.
• Regulating hazardous material storage and use.
• Providing clear guidelines for emergency planning and response.

The IFC is updated every three years to incorporate advancements in technology, address emerging safety challenges, and reflect evolving best practices in fire protection and prevention

The 2024 IFC regulates:

1. Fire hazards arising from storage, handling, or use of structures, materials, or devices.
2. Conditions hazardous to life, property, or public welfare in building occupancy or operation.
3. Construction, extension, repair, alteration, or removal of fire protection systems.
4. Safety conditions for firefighters and emergency responders during operations.

Yes, Chapter 11 of the 2024 IFC specifically addresses fire safety requirements for existing buildings constructed prior to its adoption. It includes retroactive provisions to upgrade non-compliant buildings with essential fire safety features.

The 2024 IFC covers a wide range of topics critical to fire safety:

• General precautions against fire hazards.
• Emergency planning and preparedness requirements.
• Fire department access roads and water supplies.
• Automatic sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems.
• Storage and use of hazardous materials.

The 2024 IFC includes updated provisions for technologies like:

• Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
• Lithium-ion battery storage and manufacturing safety.
• A2L refrigerants (mildly flammable refrigerants).

The IFC itself is not legally binding until adopted by a jurisdiction. Local governments may adopt it as-is or amend it to suit regional needs.

Adoption timelines vary by jurisdiction. For example, Austin Fire Department plans to implement it on January 1, 2025

To enhance user experience, the 2024 IFC introduces:

• Single-column text layout for better readability.
• Modernized fonts for clarity.
• QR codes replacing sidebar markings to provide direct access to code changes

The code regulates hazardous materials through provisions related to their storage, handling, and use in facilities. Updates in Chapter 50 refine maximum allowable quantities for certain chemicals

New chapters include:

• Temporary Heating and Cooking Operations: Consolidates all requirements for temporary heating equipment at construction sites or events into one chapter2.
• Inflatable Amusement Devices: Establishes safety standards for inflatable structures like bounce houses

Section 510 now aligns with NFPA 1225 (2022), providing updated standards for Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES). This ensures reliable communication during emergencies

The inclusion of A2L refrigerants supports environmentally friendly cooling solutions while ensuring proper safety measures are in place

Resources include:

• ICC training programs (webinars, seminars).
• Commentary editions explaining code provisions in detail.
• Online tools like digital codes platforms with interactive features.

The 2024 IFC introduces significant updates, including:

• Enhanced regulations for Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and lithium-ion batteries
• New provisions for powered micromobility devices
• Expanded carbon monoxide detection requirements
• Updated guidelines for A2L refrigerants
• Refined fire protection standards for distilled spirits and wine storage
• New chapter on temporary heating and cooking operations

The 2024 IFC features:

• Single-column text format with modernized fonts for improved readability
• QR codes replacing vertical margin sidebars to identify code changes
• Shading for table headers and notes
• Grouped associated content, bringing tables and figures immediately after parent sections

The 2024 IFC now references NFPA 855 along with IFC Section 1207 to regulate ESS. The provisions continue to evolve with technologies, addressing mixed-system installations and requiring hazard mitigation analysis when necessary

The code introduces new regulations for lithium-ion battery research, storage, and manufacturing, including:

• Mandatory sprinkler protection in Group B, F-1, M, and S-1 occupancies storing or using lithium-ion batteries
• Active systems requirements, including automatic sprinkler systems and detection
• Specific design and construction requirements to mitigate fire risks