Chapter 4 — EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
Section 403 — EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS REQUIREMENTS
2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-29 · California
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
403.1 General. ¶
In addition to the requirements of Section 401, occupancies, uses and outdoor locations shall comply with the emergency preparedness requirements set forth in Sections 403.2 through 403.10.6 . Where a fire safety and evacuation plan is required by Sections 403.2 through 403.10.6, evacuation drills shall be in accordance with Section 405 and employee training shall be in accordance with Section 406.
403.2 Group A occupancies. ¶
An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group A occupancies, other than those occupancies used exclusively for purposes of religious worship with an occupant load less than 2,000, and for buildings containing both a Group A occupancy and an atrium. Group A occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.2.1 through 403.2.4.
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
403.2.1 Seating plan. In addition to the requirements of Section 404.2, the fire safety and evacuation plans for assembly occupancies shall include a detailed seating plan, occupant load and occupant load limit. Deviations from the approved plans shall be allowed provided that the occupant load limit for the occupancy is not exceeded and the aisles and exit accessways remain unobstructed.
403.2.2 Announcements. In theaters, motion picture theaters, auditoriums and similar assembly occupancies in Group A used for noncontinuous programs, an audible announcement shall be made not more than 10 minutes prior to the start of each program to notify the occupants of the location of the exits to be used in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Exception: In motion picture theaters, the announcement is allowed to be projected on the screen in a manner approved by the fire code official.
403.2.3 Fire watch personnel. Fire watch personnel shall be provided where required by Section 403.11.1.
403.2.4 Crowd managers. Crowd managers shall be provided where required by Section 403.11.3.
403.3 Group B occupancies. ¶
An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for buildings containing a Group B occupancy where the Group B occupancy has an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge and for buildings having an ambulatory care facility.
403.3.1 Ambulatory care facilities. Ambulatory care facilities shall comply with the requirements of Sections 401, 403.3.1.1 through 403.3.1.2 and 404 through 406.
403.3.1.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. This shall include procedures for stabilizing care recipients in a defend-in-place response, staged evacuation, or full evacuation in conjunction with the entire building if part of a multitenant facility.
403.3.1.1.1 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
- Locations of care recipients who are rendered incapable of self-preservation.
- Maximum number of care recipients rendered incapable of self-preservation.
- Area and extent of each ambulatory care facility.
- Location of any special locking arrangements.
403.3.1.2 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by the staff at intervals not exceeding three months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly on entrance to duty.
Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.
403.4 Group E occupancies. ¶
An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group E occupancies and for buildings containing both a Group E occupancy and an atrium. Group E occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.4.1 through 403.4.4 .
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(a)(1)] Fire Drills. (Group E Occupancies)
(a) Group E Occupancies.
(1) General. Every person and public officer managing, controlling or in charge of any public, private or parochial school shall cause the fire alarm signal to be sounded upon the discovery of fire. Every person and public officer managing, controlling or in charge of any public, private or parochial school, other than a two-year community college, shall cause the fire alarm signal to be sounded not less than once every calendar month at the elementary and intermediate levels, and not less than twice yearly at the secondary level, in the manner prescribed in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2, Section 907.
A fire drill shall be held at the secondary level not less than twice every school year.
403.4.1 Group E Occupancies. Every person and public officer managing, controlling or in charge of any public, private or parochial school, other than a two-year community college, shall cause the fire alarm signal to be sounded not less than once every calendar month at the elementary and intermediate levels, and not less than twice yearly at the secondary level in the manner prescribed in Section 907. A fire drill shall be held at the secondary level not less than twice every school year.
403.4.1.1 Emergency Pre-Fire Planning. Each school principal, district superintendent or day nursery manager shall, in cooperation with the enforcing agency, prepare procedures to be followed in case of fire or other emergency. They should include the following: 1. Posting of the telephone number of the fire department in the office and/or at the main switchboard. 2. Assignment of a responsible person to call the fire department upon notification of any fire or activation of the alarm system for any reason other than fire drills. 3. Posting in a conspicuous place in each classroom or assembly area a plan showing paths of travel to evacuate the room in case of emergency and including an alternate route. 4. Posting in each classroom instructions to be followed by the teacher. These should include: 4.1. Maintaining of order during evacuation. 4.2. Removal of roll call book and calling of roll when designated evacuation area is reached.
403.4.2 First emergency evacuation drill. The first emergency evacuation drill of each school year shall be conducted within 10 days of the beginning of classes.
4-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
403.4.3 Time of day. Emergency evacuation drills shall be conducted at different hours of the day or evening, during the changing of classes, when the school is at assembly, during the recess or gymnastic periods, or during other times to avoid distinction between drills and actual fires.
403.4.4 Assembly points. Outdoor assembly areas shall be designated and shall be located a safe distance from the building being evacuated so as to avoid interference with fire department operations. The assembly areas shall be arranged to keep each class separate to provide accountability of all individuals.
403.5 Group F occupancies. ¶
An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for buildings containing a Group F occupancy where any of the following conditions apply:
- The Group F occupancy has an occupant load of 500 or more persons.
- The Group F occupancy has an occupant load of more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
- Group F pallet manufacturing and recycling facilities as required by Section 2810.
403.6 Group H occupancies. ¶
An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group H occupancies.
403.6.1 Group H-5 occupancies. Group H-5 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.6.1.1 through 403.6.1.4.
403.6.1.1 Plans and diagrams. In addition to the requirements of Section 404 and Section 407.6, plans and diagrams shall be maintained in approved locations indicating the approximate plan for each area; the amount and type of HPM stored, handled and used; locations of shutoff valves for HPM supply piping; emergency telephone locations and locations of exits.
403.6.1.2 Plan updating. The plans and diagrams required by Sections 404, 403.6.1.1 and 407.6 shall be maintained up-todate and the fire code official and fire department shall be informed of major changes.
403.6.1.3 Emergency response team. Responsible persons shall be designated as an on-site emergency response team and trained to be liaison personnel for the fire department. These persons shall aid the fire department in preplanning emergency responses, identifying locations where HPM is stored, handled and used, and be familiar with the chemical nature of such material. An adequate number of personnel for each work shift shall be designated.
403.6.1.4 Emergency drills. Emergency drills of the on-site emergency response team shall be conducted on a regular basis but not less than once every three months. Records of drills conducted shall be maintained.
403.7 Group I occupancies. ¶
An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group I occupancies. Group I occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.1 through 403.7.3.6.
403.7.1 Group R-2.1 occupancies. Group R-2.1 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.1.1 through 403.7.1.4.
403.7.1.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
- Procedures for full evacuation of care recipients.
- In Group R-2.1, Condition 2, procedures for staged evacuation of care recipients through a refuge area in an adjacent smoke compartment and then to an exterior assembly point.
- Shall be amended or revised upon admission of any resident care recipient with unusual needs.
403.7.1.1.1 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:
- Location and number of care recipient sleeping rooms.
- Location of special locking arrangements.
403.7.1.2 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding three months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.
Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.
403.7.1.3 Resident training. Residents capable of assisting in their own evacuation shall be trained in the proper actions to take in the event of a fire. In Group R-2.1, Condition 2 occupancies, training shall include evacuation through an adjacent smoke compartment and then to an exterior assembly point. The training shall include actions to take if the primary escape route is blocked. Residents shall be trained to assist each other in case of fire to the extent their physical and mental abilities permit them to do so without additional personal risk.
403.7.1.4 Drill frequency. In addition to the evacuation drills required in Section 405.3, staff shall participate in drills an additional two times a year on each shift. Twelve drills with all occupants shall be conducted in the first year of operation.
403.7.2 Group I-2 occupancies. Group I-2 occupancies shall comply with 403.7.2.1 through 403.7.2.5.
403.7.2.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plans required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
- Procedures for evacuation for care recipients with needs for containment or restraint and post-evacuation containment, where present.
- A written plan for maintenance of the means of egress.
- Procedure for a defend-in-place strategy.
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
- Procedures for a full-floor or building evacuation, where necessary.
- In Group I-2, Condition 2, amendments or revisions upon admission of any care recipients with unusual needs.
403.7.2.2 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:
- Location and number of care recipient sleeping rooms and operating rooms.
- Location of special locking arrangements.
403.7.2.3 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding three months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.
Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.
403.7.2.4 Emergency evacuation drills. Emergency evacuation drills shall comply with Section 405.
403.7.2.5 Fire loss prevention in operating rooms. Fire protection features and procedures for fire loss prevention in surgical operating rooms shall comply with NFPA 99, Section 16.13.
403.7.3 Group I-3 occupancies. Group I-3 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.7.3.1 through 403.7.3.6.
403.7.3.1 Fire safety and evacuation plans. The fire safety and evacuation plans required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404:
- Procedures for evacuation of detainees with needs for containment or restraint and post-evacuation containment, where present.
- Procedures for a defend-in-place strategy.
- Procedures for a full-floor or building evacuation, where necessary.
403.7.3.2 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include both of the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:
Location and number of cells.
Location of special locking arrangements.
403.7.3.3 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding 3 months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.
Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.
403.7.3.4 Staffing. Group I-3 occupancies shall be provided with 24-hour staffing. A staff person shall be within three floors or 300 feet (91 440 mm) horizontal distance of the access door of each resident housing area. In Group I-3 Conditions 3, 4 and 5, as defined in Chapter 2, the arrangement shall be such that the staff involved can start release of locks necessary for emergency evacuation or rescue and initiate other necessary emergency actions within 2 minutes of an alarm.
Exception: A staff person shall not be required to be within three floors or 300 feet (91 440 mm) horizontal distance of the access door of each resident housing area in areas in which all locks are unlocked remotely and automatically in accordance with Section 408.4 of the California Building Code .
403.7.3.5 Notification. Provisions shall be made for residents in Group I-3 Conditions 3, 4 and 5, as defined in Chapter 2, to readily notify staff of an emergency.
403.7.3.6 Keys. Keys necessary for unlocking doors installed in a means of egress shall be individually identifiable by both touch and sight.
403.8 Group M occupancies. ¶
An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for buildings containing a Group M occupancy where the Group M occupancy has an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge and for buildings containing both a Group M occupancy and an atrium.
403.9 Group R occupancies. ¶
Group R occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.9.1 through 403.9.3.4.
403.9.1 Group R-1 occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group R-1 occupancies. Group R-1 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.9.1.1 through 403.9.1.3.
403.9.1.1 Evacuation diagrams. A diagram depicting two evacuation routes shall be posted on or immediately adjacent to every required egress door from each hotel or motel dwelling unit or sleeping unit.
403.9.1.2 Emergency duties. Upon discovery of a fire or suspected fire, hotel and motel employees shall perform the following duties:
- Activate the fire alarm system, where provided.
- Notify the public fire department.
- Take other action as previously instructed.
403.9.1.3 Fire safety and evacuation instructions. Information shall be provided in the fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404 to allow guests to decide whether to evacuate to the outside, evacuate to an area of refuge, remain in place, or any combination of the three.
4-6 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
403.9.2 Group R-2 occupancies. Group R-2 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.9.2.1 through 403.9.2.3.
403.9.2.1 College and university buildings. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group R-2 college and university buildings. Group R-2 college and university buildings shall comply with Sections 403.9.2.1.1 through 403.9.2.1.3.
403.9.2.1.1 College and University Pre-Fire Planning. The Chancellor, President, or his designated representative, shall, in cooperation with the enforcing agency, propose procedures to be followed in case of fire or other emergency. They should include the following: 1. Posting the telephone number of the fire department in the office and/or at the main switchboard. 2. Assignment of a responsible person to call the fire department upon notification of any fire or activation of the alarm system for any reason other than fire drills. 3. Posting in a conspicuous place in each classroom or assembly area a plan showing paths of travel to evacuate the room in case of emergency and including an alternate route. 4. Posting in each classroom instructions to be followed by the teacher. These should include: 4.1. Maintaining order during evacuation. 4.2. Removal of roll call book and calling of roll when designated evacuation area is reached.
403.9.2.1.2 First emergency evacuation drill. The first emergency evacuation drill of each school year shall be conducted within 10 days of the beginning of classes.
403.9.2.1.3 Time of day. Emergency evacuation drills shall be conducted at different hours of the day or evening, during the changing of classes, when school is at assembly, during recess or gymnastic periods or during other times to avoid distinction between drills and actual fires. One required drill shall be held during hours after sunset or before sunrise.
403.9.2.2 Emergency guide. Fire emergency guides shall be provided for Group R-2 occupancies. Guide contents, maintenance and distribution shall comply with Sections 403.9.2.2.1 through 403.9.2.2.3.
403.9.2.2.1 Guide contents. A fire emergency guide shall describe the location, function and use of fire protection equipment and appliances available for use by residents, including fire alarm systems, smoke alarms and portable fire extinguishers. Guides shall include an emergency evacuation plan for each dwelling unit.
403.9.2.2.2 Emergency guide maintenance. Emergency guides shall be reviewed and approved by the fire code official.
403.9.2.2.3 Emergency guide distribution. A copy of the emergency guide shall be given to each tenant prior to initial
occupancy.
403.9.2.3 Evacuation diagrams for dormitories. A diagram depicting two evacuation routes shall be posted on or immediately adjacent to every required egress door from each dormitory sleeping unit or dwelling unit. Evacuation diagrams shall be reviewed and updated as needed to maintain accuracy.
403.9.3 Group R-4 occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for Group R-4 occupancies. Group R-4 occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.9.3.1 through 403.9.3.4.
403.9.3.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404 shall include a description of special staff actions. Plans shall include procedures necessary for full evacuation of care recipients, and shall be amended or revised upon admission of care recipients with unusual needs.
403.9.3.1.1 Fire safety plan. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include the following in addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2:
- Location and number of care recipient sleeping rooms.
- Location of special locking arrangements.
403.9.3.2 Staff training. Staff shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by staff at intervals not exceeding three months. Training of new staff shall be provided promptly upon entrance to duty.
Staff shall be instructed in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and other manual fire suppression equipment.
403.9.3.3 Resident training. Residents capable of assisting in their own evacuation shall be trained in the proper actions to take in the event of a fire. The training shall include actions to take if the primary escape route is blocked. Residents shall be trained to assist each other in case of fire to the extent their physical and mental abilities permit them to do so without additional personal risk.
403.9.3.4 Drill frequency. In addition to the evacuation drills required in Section 405.3, staff shall participate in drills an additional two times a year on each shift. Twelve drills with all occupants shall be conducted in the first year of operation.
403.10 Special uses. ¶
Special uses shall be in accordance with Sections 403.10.1 through 403.10.6.1.
403.10.1 Covered and open mall buildings. Covered and open mall buildings shall comply with the requirements of Sections 403.10.1.1 through 403.10.1.6.
403.10.1.1 Malls and mall buildings exceeding 50,000 square feet. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for covered malls exceeding 50,000 square feet (4645 m [2] ) in
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
aggregate floor area and for open mall buildings exceeding 50,000 square feet (4645 m [2] ) in aggregate area within the perimeter line.
403.10.1.2 Lease plan. In addition to the requirements of Section 404.2.2, a lease plan that includes the following information shall be prepared for each covered and open mall building:
- Each occupancy, including identification of tenant.
- Exits from each tenant space.
- Fire protection features, including the following: 3.1. Fire department connections.
3.2. Fire command center.
3.3. Smoke management system controls. 3.4. Elevators, elevator machine rooms and controls.
3.5. Hose valve outlets.
3.6. Sprinkler and standpipe control valves. 3.7. Areas protected with automatic sprinkler systems and automatic fire-extinguishing systems.
3.8. Automatic fire detector zones.
3.9. Fire barriers.
403.10.1.3 Lease plan approval. The lease plan shall be submitted to the fire code official for approval, and shall be maintained on-site for immediate reference by responding fire service personnel.
403.10.1.4 Lease plan revisions. The lease plans shall be revised annually or as often as necessary to keep them current. Modifications or changes in tenants or occupancies shall not be made without prior approval of the fire code official and building official.
403.10.1.5 Tenant identification. Tenant identification shall be provided for secondary exits from occupied tenant spaces that lead to an exit corridor or directly to the exterior of the building. Tenant identification shall be posted on the exterior side of the exit or exit access door and shall identify the business name and address using plainly legible letters and numbers that contrast with their background.
Exception: Tenant identification is not required for anchor stores.
403.10.1.6 Unoccupied tenant spaces. The fire safety and evacuation plan shall provide for compliance with the requirements for unoccupied tenant spaces in Section 311.
403.10.2 High-rise buildings. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for high-rise buildings.
403.10.3 Underground buildings. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for underground buildings.
403.10.4 Buildings using occupant evacuation elevators. In buildings using occupant evacuation elevators in accordance with Section 3008 of the California Building Code, the fire safety and evacuation plan and the training required by Sections 404 and 406, respectively, shall incorporate specific procedures for the occupants using such elevators.
403.10.5 Buildings with high-piled storage. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared for buildings with high-piled combustible storage in any of the following situations:
- The high-piled storage area exceeds 500,000 square feet (46 450 m [2] ) for Class I-IV commodities.
- The high-piled storage area exceeds 300,000 square feet (27 870 m [2] ) for high-hazard commodities.
- The high-piled storage is located in a Group H occupancy.
- The high-piled storage is located in a Group F occupancy with an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
- The high-piled storage is located in a Group M occupancy with an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
- Where required by the fire code official for other high-piled storage areas.
403.10.6 Lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 shall be prepared and maintained for occupancies that involve activities for the research and development, testing, manufacturing, handling or storage of lithium-ion batteries or lithium metal batteries, or the repair or servicing of vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries or lithium metal batteries.
Exceptions: A fire safety and evacuation plan is not required for the storage or merchandizing of any of the following:
New or refurbished batteries installed for use in the equipment or vehicles they are designed to power.
New or refurbished batteries packed for use with the equipment or vehicles they are designed to power for merchandizing purposes.
New or refurbished lithium-ion batteries rated at not more than 300 watt-hours and lithium metal batteries containing not more than 25 grams of lithium metal in their original retail packaging.
4-8 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
- The storage, repair and charging activities in detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, provided that such devices are for personal use.
- The storage, repair and charging activities associated with personal use in sleeping units and dwelling units of Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies.
403.10.6.1 Mitigation planning. The approved fire safety and evacuation plan shall include thermal runaway event mitigation measures. These measures shall include activities undertaken to prevent thermal runaway, early detection of a thermal runaway event and mitigation measures to be undertaken to limit the size and impact of the event on occupants and the facility.
403.11 Special requirements for public safety. ¶
Special requirements for public safety shall be in accordance with Sections 403.11.1 through 403.11.3.3.
403.11.1 Fire watch personnel. Where, in the opinion of the fire code official, it is essential for public safety in a place of assembly or any other place where people congregate, because of the number of persons, or the nature of the performance, exhibition, display, contest or activity, the owner, agent or lessee shall provide one or more fire watch personnel, as required and approved. Fire watch personnel shall comply with Sections 403.11.1.1 and 403.11.1.2.
403.11.1.1 Duty times. Fire watch personnel shall remain on duty while places requiring a fire watch are open to the public, or when an activity requiring a fire watch is being conducted.
403.11.1.2 Duties. On-duty fire watch personnel shall have the following responsibilities:
- Keep diligent watch for fires, obstructions to means of egress and other hazards.
- Take prompt measures for remediation of hazards and extinguishment of fires that occur.
- Take prompt measures to assist in the evacuation of the public from the structures.
403.11.2 Public safety plan for gatherings. Where the fire code official determines that an indoor or outdoor gathering of persons has an adverse impact on public safety through diminished access to buildings, structures, fire hydrants and fire apparatus access roads or where such gatherings adversely affect public safety services of any kind, the fire code official shall have the authority to order the development of or prescribe a public safety plan that provides an approved level of public safety and addresses the following items:
Emergency vehicle ingress and egress.
Fire protection.
Emergency egress or escape routes.
Emergency medical services.
Public assembly areas.
The directing of both attendees and vehicles, including the parking of vehicles.
Vendor and food concession distribution.
The need for the presence of law enforcement.
The need for fire and emergency medical services personnel.
The need for a weather monitoring person.
403.11.3 Crowd managers. Where facilities or events involve a gathering of more than 500 people, crowd managers shall be provided in accordance with Sections 403.11.3.1 through 403.11.3.3.
403.11.3.1 Number of crowd managers. Not fewer than two trained crowd managers, and not fewer than one trained crowd manager for each 250 persons or portion thereof, shall be provided for the gathering.
Exceptions:
- Outdoor events with fewer than 1,000 persons in attendance shall not require crowd managers.
- Assembly occupancies used exclusively for religious worship with an occupant load not exceeding 1,000 shall not require crowd managers.
- The number of crowd managers shall be reduced where, in the opinion of the fire code official, the fire protection provided by the facility and the nature of the event warrant a reduction.
er than 1,000 persons in attendance shall not require crowd managers. 2. Assembly occupancies used exclusively for religious worship with an occupant load not exceeding 1,000 shall not require crowd managers. 3. The number of crowd managers shall be reduced where, in the opinion of the fire code official, the fire protection provided by the facility and the nature of the event warrant a reduction.
403.11.3.2 Training. Training for crowd managers shall be approved.
403.11.3.3 Duties. The duties of crowd managers shall include, but not be limited to:
- Conduct an inspection of the area of responsibility and identify and address any egress barriers.
- Conduct an inspection of the area of responsibility to identify and mitigate any fire hazards.
- Verify compliance with all permit conditions, including those governing pyrotechnics and other special effects.
- Direct and assist the event attendees in evacuation during an emergency.
- Assist emergency response personnel where requested.
- Other duties required by the fire code official.
- Other duties as specified in the fire safety plan.
403.12 Organized camps. ¶
Group C occupancies shall comply with the requirements of Sections 403.12.1 through 403.12.3.
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
403.12.1 Staff training and evacuation plan. Every organized camp shall institute fire training programs for all employees in the use of all fire extinguishing equipment and methods of evacuation, and shall establish procedures which shall, as far as possible, be followed in the event of fire or any other emergency. If located in a forest area a plan shall be prepared for the evacuation of the camp in case of an approaching forest fire or other emergency.
403.12.2 Resident training. Within 24 hours after arrival, every group of persons attending an organized camp shall be made famil- iar with the method by which the fire alarm may be activated and with the procedures to be followed upon notification of fire.
403.12.3 Fire drills. At least 1 fire drill shall be held within 24 hours of the commencement of each camping session. Additional drills shall be conducted at least once each week thereafter. When sessions exceed a 7-day period, at least 1 drill shall be held during night- time sleeping hours.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(c)(1)] Fire Drills. (Organized Camps)
(c) Organized Camps. (1) Every organized camp shall institute fire training programs for all employees in the use of all fire extinguishing equip- ment and methods of evacuation, and shall establish procedures which shall, as far as possible, be followed in the event of fire or any other emergency. If located in a forest area a plan shall be prepared for the evacuation of the camp in case of an approaching forest fire or other emergency.
Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.
Ask AI about this code▸ Contents — 2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)
- Chapter 1 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 3 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
-
▸ Chapter 4 — EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
- Chapter 5 — FIRE SERVICE FEATURES
- Chapter 6 — BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS
- Chapter 7 — FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
- Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHI…
- Chapter 9 — FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
- Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS
- Chapter 11 — CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
- Chapter 12 — ENERGY SYSTEMS
- Chapter 20 — AVIATION FACILITIES
- Chapter 21 — DRY CLEANING
- Chapter 22 — COMBUSTIBLE DUST-PRODUCING OPERATIONS
- Chapter 23 — MOTOR FUEL-DISPENSING FACILITIES AND REPAIR GARAGES
- Chapter 24 — FLAMMABLE FINISHES
- Chapter 25 — FRUIT AND CROP RIPENING
- Chapter 26 — FUMIGATION AND INSECTICIDAL FOGGING
- Chapter 27 — SEMICONDUCTOR FABRICATION FACILITIES
- Chapter 28 — LUMBER YARDS AND AGRO-INDUSTRIAL, SOLID BIOMASS A…
- Chapter 29 — MANUFACTURE OF ORGANIC COATINGS
- Chapter 30 — INDUSTRIAL OVENS
- Chapter 31 — TENTS, TEMPORARY SPECIAL EVENT STRUCTURES AND OTH…
- Chapter 32 — HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE
- Chapter 33 — FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
- Chapter 34 — TIRE REBUILDING AND TIRE STORAGE
- Chapter 35 — WELDING AND OTHER HOT WORK
- Chapter 36 — MARINAS
- Chapter 37 — COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS
- Chapter 38 — RESERVED
- Chapter 39 — PROCESSING AND EXTRACTION FACILITIES
- Chapter 40 — STORAGE OF DISTILLED SPIRITS AND WINES
- Chapter 41 — TEMPORARY HEATING AND COOKING OPERATIONS
- Chapter 48 — MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION STUDIO S…
- Chapter 49 — REQUIREMENTS FOR WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE FIRE AR…
- Chapter 50 — HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 51 — AEROSOLS
- Chapter 52 — RESERVED
- Chapter 53 — COMPRESSED GASES
- Chapter 54 — CORROSIVE MATERIALS
- Chapter 55 — CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
- Chapter 56 — EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS
- Chapter 57 — FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
- Chapter 58 — FLAMMABLE GASES AND FLAMMABLE CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
- Chapter 59 — FLAMMABLE SOLIDS
- Chapter 60 — HIGHLY TOXIC AND TOXIC MATERIALS
- Chapter 61 — LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES
- Chapter 62 — ORGANIC PEROXIDES
- Chapter 63 — OXIDIZERS, OXIDIZING GASES AND OXIDIZING CRYOGENI…
- Chapter 64 — PYROPHORIC MATERIALS
- Chapter 65 — PYROXYLIN (CELLULOSE NITRATE) PLASTICS
- Chapter 66 — UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIALS
- Chapter 67 — WATER-REACTIVE SOLIDS AND LIQUIDS
- Chapter 80 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
- Appendix Chapter 4 — SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON US…
- Appendix A — BOARD OF APPEALS
- Appendix B — FIRE-FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS
- Appendix BB — FIRE-FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS
- Appendix C — FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION
- Appendix CC — FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION
- Appendix D — FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS
- Appendix E — HAZARD CATEGORIES
- Appendix F — HAZARD RANKING
- Appendix G — CRYOGENIC FLUIDS—WEIGHT AND VOLUME EQUIVALENTS
- Appendix H — HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT PLANS AND HAZARDOU…
- Appendix I — FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS—NONCOMPLIANT CONDITIONS
- Appendix J — BUILDING INFORMATION SIGN
- Appendix K — CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING AMBULATORY…
- Appendix L — REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREFIGHTER AIR REPLENISHMENT SY…
- Appendix M — HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS—RETROACTIVE AUTOMATIC SPRINKL…
- Appendix N — INDOOR TRADE SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS
- Appendix O — VALET TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTION IN GROUP R-2…
- Appendix P — TEMPORARY HAUNTED HOUSES, GHOST WALKS AND SIMILAR…
- Appendix Q — COMMUNITY WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) FIRE HAZ…