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Earlier editions: 20222019

Chapter 40 — STORAGE OF DISTILLED SPIRITS AND WINES

4005 Fire Protection — 2025 California Fire Code

California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-09-25 · California

CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

Cite as: 2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) § 4005 · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission

4005.1 Palletized storage of distilled spirits in wooden barrels.

The palletized storage of distilled spirits in wooden barrels shall be protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed throughout the building in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 as modified in this section. The palletized storage of metal containers of distilled spirits shall be protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system that complies with Chapter 57.

4005.1.1 Storage height. Palletized storage arrays of barrels stored on end shall be limited to a maximum of seven pallets high.

4005.1.2 Flue spaces. Flue spaces with a minimum width of 6 inches (152 mm) shall be maintained between adjacent pallets.

4005.1.3 Loading aisles. Palletized storage that is provided with a defined loading aisle between pallet storage areas shall be arranged using one of the following:

  1. Draft curtains, installed in accordance with Section 4005.1.3.1, shall be provided along the side of palletized storage facing the loading aisle to separate the quick-response sprinklers and standard-response sprinklers.

  2. A trench drain shall be provided on each side of the loading aisle, arranged to capture any spilled distilled spirits in the aisle space and remove them from the building to prevent spills from spreading into the barrel storage area.

  3. Barrels shall be banded on each pallet to prevent barrels from falling off pallets during transportation and loading into the storage racks.

4005.1.3.1 Draft curtains. Where installed in accordance with Section 4005.1.3, Item 1, draft curtains shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections 4005.1.3.1.1 through 4005.1.3.1.3.

4005.1.3.1.1 Construction. Draft curtains shall be constructed of sheet metal, lath and plaster, gypsum board or other approved noncombustible materials that provide equivalent performance to resist the passage of smoke. Joints and connections shall be designed to resist the passage of smoke.

4005.1.3.1.2 Location. Draft curtains shall be located along loading aisles serving storage areas.

4005.1.3.1.3 Depth. Draft curtains shall extend vertically downward from the ceiling for a minimum distance of 20 percent of the ceiling height measured from the floor, with a minimum depth of 6 feet (1829 mm).

4005.1.4 Automatic sprinkler system design. Storage heights and automatic sprinkler densities for palletized on-end barrels shall be in accordance with Table 4005.1.4 and Sections 4005.1.4.1 through 4005.1.4.6.

TABLE 4005.1.4—PALLETIZED STORAGE OF DISTILLED SPIRITS WITH UP TO 75 PERCENT ALCOHOL BY VOLUME IN WOODEN BARRELS

PROTECTION AREA SPRINKLER
SYSTEM TYPE		 MAXIMUM
CEILING HEIGHT
(feet)		 MAXIMUM
STORAGE
HEIGHT		 CEILING SPRINKLER PROTECTION CEILING SPRINKLER PROTECTION CEILING SPRINKLER PROTECTION
PROTECTION AREA SPRINKLER
SYSTEM TYPE		 MAXIMUM
CEILING HEIGHT
(feet)		 MAXIMUM
STORAGE
HEIGHT		 Response/Nominal
Temperature
Rating/Orientation		 K-Factor
(gpm/psi1/2)		 Designa, # of
Sprinklers @
Pressure (psi)
Barrel storage Wet-pipe 30 24 feet or
7 barrels		 QR/165°F/Pendent 14.0 12 @ 18
Barrel storage Dry-pipe Dry-pipe Dry-pipe SR/286°F/Upright 16.8 24 @ 13
Barrel storage Wet-pipe 30 1 barrel Any/165°F/Any 11.2 30 @ 7
Barrel storage Dry-pipe Dry-pipe Dry-pipe SR/286°F/Upright 11.2 50 @ 7
Barrel storage Wet-pipe 30 2 barrels SR/286°F/Any 11.2 50 @ 29
Loading aisle w/ draft
curtain		 Wet-pipe or
Dry-pipe		 30 NA SR/286°F/Any 5.6 100 @ 13
Loading aisle w/ draft
curtain		 Wet-pipe or
Dry-pipe		 30 NA SR/286°F/Any > 8.0 100 @ 7
Loading aisle w/ trench
drains or banded barrels or
no permanent loading aisle		 Provide the barrel storage design across the entire roof area (i.e., storage area and loading aisle). Provide the barrel storage design across the entire roof area (i.e., storage area and loading aisle). Provide the barrel storage design across the entire roof area (i.e., storage area and loading aisle). Provide the barrel storage design across the entire roof area (i.e., storage area and loading aisle). Provide the barrel storage design across the entire roof area (i.e., storage area and loading aisle). Provide the barrel storage design across the entire roof area (i.e., storage area and loading aisle).
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 pound per square inch (psi) = 6.895 kPa, K-factor of 1 gpm/psi1/2 = 14.395 L/min/bar1/2, °C = (°F –
32)/1.8.
QR = Quick Response; SR = Standard Response; NA = Not Applicable.
a. Sprinklers shall have a maximum coverage area of 100 square feet.

40-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

STORAGE OF DISTILLED SPIRITS AND WINES

4005.1.4.1 Protected product. The storage and automatic sprinkler requirements in Table 4005.1.4 apply to alcohol-water mixtures greater than 20 percent and up to 75 percent alcohol by volume in wooden barrel sizes not exceeding 130 gallons (492 L).

4005.1.4.2 Hose stream allowance. The automatic sprinkler design shall include a 500 gallons per minute (1900 L/min) hose stream allowance.

4005.1.4.3 Water supply duration. The automatic sprinkler system water supply duration, including hose stream demand, shall be a minimum of 1 hour.

4005.1.4.4 Automatic sprinkler system balancing. Where a permanent loading aisle is provided with a separate automatic sprinkler system on the ceiling, the barrel storage automatic sprinkler design and the loading aisle automatic sprinkler design are not required to be balanced at the point of connection.

4005.1.4.5 Dry pipe sprinkler systems. Where dry-pipe sprinkler systems are installed, the sprinkler system shall be designed to deliver water to the most remote four sprinklers within 40 seconds.

4005.1.4.6 Small distilled spirits facilities. Fire protection for palletized storage of distilled spirits in small distilled spirits facilities not greater than 7,500 square feet (697 m2) is permitted to be in accordance with Sections 4005.1.4.6.1 through 4005.1.4.6.3.

4005.1.4.6.1 Ceiling clearance. The clearance from the top of storage to the deflector of the automatic sprinklers at the ceiling shall be a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) and a maximum of 10 feet (3048 mm).

4005.1.4.6.2 Automatic sprinkler coverage area. The automatic sprinkler coverage area shall not exceed 80 square feet (7.4 m [2] ) per sprinkler.

4005.1.4.6.3 Fire protection scheme. The storage arrangement and automatic sprinkler system design shall be in accordance with Table 4005.1.4.6.3.

TABLE 4005.1.4.6.3—PALLETIZED STORAGE OF DISTILLED SPIRITS IN WOODEN BARRELS IN SMALL DISTILLED SPIRITS FACILITIES

PROTECTION
AREA		 SPRINKLER
SYSTEM
TYPE		 MAXIMUM
CEILING
HEIGHT
(feet)		 MAXIMUM
STORAGE
HEIGHT
(feet)		 CEILING SPRINKLER PROTECTION CEILING SPRINKLER PROTECTION CEILING SPRINKLER PROTECTION CEILING SPRINKLER PROTECTION
PROTECTION
AREA		 SPRINKLER
SYSTEM
TYPE		 MAXIMUM
CEILING
HEIGHT
(feet)		 MAXIMUM
STORAGE
HEIGHT
(feet)		 Response/Temperature
Rating/Orientation		 K-Factor
(gpm/psi1/2)		 Sprinkler
Density
(gpm/ft2)		 Area
(square feet)
Barrel storage Wet-pipe 24 12 SR/286°F/Any ≥ 11.2 0.35 4,000
Barrel storage Wet-pipe 24 12 SR/165°F/Any ≥ 11.2 0.35 7,500
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square inch (psi) = 6.895 kPa, K-factor of 1 gpm/psi1/2 = 14.395 L/min/bar1/2, °C = (°F – 32)/1.8,
1 gallon per minute per square foot = 40.75 L/min/m2.
SR = Standard Response.
Exceptions & meaning →

4005.2 Rack storage in wooden barrels.

The rack storage of distilled spirits and wine greater than 20 percent alcohol shall be protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and Sections 4005.2.1 through 4005.2.3.6.

4005.2.1 Flue spaces for on-side wooden barrels. Rack storage for on-side wooden barrels shall be provided with a minimum width of 8 inches (203 mm) between adjacent rows of barrels.

4005.2.1.1 Elevated walkways. Where provided, elevated walkways between barrels shall be constructed in accordance with one of the following:

  1. Noncombustible materials that are 50 percent open.
  2. Noncombustible materials that are open less than 50 percent, provided that the walkway has a maximum width of 1 foot (305 mm) and a minimum gap of 3 inches (76 mm) is provided between the walkway and the barrel storage.
  3. Combustible materials that are provided with a row of automatic sprinklers directly beneath each walkway.

4005.2.2 Flue spaces for on-end wooden barrels. Rack storage arrangements with on-end wooden barrels shall be provided with transverse and longitudinal flue spaces with a minimum width of 6 inches (152 mm).

4005.2.3 Fire protection for rack storage. Rack storage arrangements of alcohol-water mixtures up to 75 percent alcohol in wooden barrels with sizes not exceeding 130 gallons (492 L) shall be protected in accordance with Sections 4005.2.3.1 through 4005.2.3.6.

4005.2.3.1 Hose stream allowance. The automatic sprinkler system design shall include a 500-gallon-per-minute (1900 L/min) hose stream allowance.

4005.2.3.2 Water supply duration. The automatic sprinkler system water supply duration, including hose stream demand, shall be a minimum of 1 hour.

4005.2.3.3 Dry-pipe automatic sprinkler system. Where dry-pipe automatic sprinkler systems are installed, the automatic sprinkler system shall be designed to deliver water to the most remote four sprinklers within 40 seconds.

STORAGE OF DISTILLED SPIRITS AND WINES

4005.2.3.4 Ceiling automatic sprinkler systems. The automatic sprinkler systems installed at the ceiling shall be designed with a minimum density of 0.2 gallon per minute (0.8 L/min) per square foot with an operating area of 2,000 square feet (186 m [2] ).

4005.2.3.5 Automatic sprinkler system balancing. The automatic sprinkler system installed at the ceiling and the in-rack sprinkler system shall be balanced at the point of connection.

4005.2.3.6 Automatic sprinkler system design. The design of the automatic sprinkler system at the ceiling and the in-rack sprinkler system shall be in accordance with Table 4005.2.3.6.

TABLE 4005.2.3.6—RACK STORAGE OF DISTILLED SPIRITS IN WOODEN BARRELS

BARREL
ARRANGEMENT		 SPRIN-
KLER
SYSTEM
TYPE		 MAXI-
MUM
CEILING
HEIGHT
(feet)		 MAXI-
MUM
STORAGE
HEIGHT
(feet)		 MINIMUM
AISLE
WIDTH
(feet)		 CEILING SPRINKLER PROTECTION CEILING SPRINKLER PROTECTION CEILING SPRINKLER PROTECTION IN-RACK SPRINKLER PROTECTION IN-RACK SPRINKLER PROTECTION IN-RACK SPRINKLER PROTECTION IN-RACK SPRINKLER PROTECTION
BARREL
ARRANGEMENT		 SPRIN-
KLER
SYSTEM
TYPE		 MAXI-
MUM
CEILING
HEIGHT
(feet)		 MAXI-
MUM
STORAGE
HEIGHT
(feet)		 MINIMUM
AISLE
WIDTH
(feet)		 Response/
Nominal
Temperature
Rating/
Orientation		 K-Factor
(gpm/psi1/2)		 Design, # of
Sprinklers
@ Pressure
(psi)		 Layout Response/
Nominal
Temperature
Rating/
Orientation		 K-Factor
(gpm/psi1/2)		 Designa, #
of Sprin-
klers @
Pressure
(psi)
On-side Wet 40 33 feet/
9 barrels		 NA QR/165°F/
Pendent		 14.0 12 @ 37 None None None None
On-side Wet 40 33 feet/
9 barrels		 NA SR/286°F/Any ≥ 11.2 20 @ 7 Figures
4005.2.3.6(1)
and
4005.2.3.6(2)		 QR/165°F/Any 8.0 6 @ 45
(one level
of in-racks)
or
12 @ 45
(more than
one level of
in racks)
On-side Dry 40 33 feet/
9 barrels		 NA SR/286°F/
Upright		 16.8 24 @ 25 None None None None
On-side Dry 40 33 feet/
9 barrels		 NA SR/286°F/
Upright		 ≥ 11.2 20 @ 7 Figures
4005.2.3.6(1)
and
4005.2.3.6(2)		 QR/165°F/
Upright		 8.0 6 @ 45
(one level
of in-racks)
or
12 @ 45
(more than
one level of
in racks)
On-end Wet 30 25 feet/
5 barrels		 8 SR/286°F/Any ≥ 11.2 50 @ 7 Figures
4005.2.3.6(3)
,
4005.2.3.6(4)
and
4005.2.3.6(5)		 QR/165°F/Any ≥ 8.0 6 @ 25
(one level)
or
12 @ 25
(more than
one level)
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 pound per square inch (psi) = 6.895 kPa, K-factor of 1 gpm/psi1/2 = 14.395 L/min/bar1/2, °C = (°F – 32)/1.8.
QR = Quick Response; SR = Standard Response; NA = Not Applicable.
a. Sprinklers shall have a maximum coverage area of 100 square feet.

40-6 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

STORAGE OF DISTILLED SPIRITS AND WINES

FIGURE 4005.2.3.6(1)—IN-RACK SPRINKLER LAYOUT FOR WOODEN BARRELS ON THEIR SIDES (PLAN VIEW)

10 FT (3 M) 10 FT (3 M)

4 FT (1.2 M)

70% OPEN
8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)
 8 IN (200 MM)

IN-RACK SPRINKLERS

Figure credit: FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 7-29

FIGURE 4005.2.3.6(2)—IN-RACK SPRINKLER LAYOUT FOR WOODEN BARRELS ON THEIR SIDES (ELEVATION VIEW)

6 IN (150 MM)

3 FT (10 M)/ 30 FT (
9 BARRELS 8 BAR

3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS
30 FT (
8 BAR		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS
30 FT (
8 BAR		 30 FT (
8 BAR
3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS
3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS
3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS
3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS
3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS
3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS
3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS
3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS
3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS		 3 FT (10 M)/
9 BARRELS

IN-RACK SPRINKLERS

Figure credit: FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 7-29

STORAGE OF DISTILLED SPIRITS AND WINES

FIGURE 4005.2.3.6(3)—IN-RACK SPRINKLER LAYOUT FOR SINGLE-ROW RACK OF ON-END WOODEN BARRELS

6 FT (1.8 M) MAXIMUM

PLAN VIEW MAXIMUM

ELEVATION VIEW

, = IN-RACK SPRINKLERS

Figure credit: FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 7-29

40-8 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

STORAGE OF DISTILLED SPIRITS AND WINES

FIGURE 4005.2.3.6(4)—IN-RACK SPRINKLER LAYOUT FOR DOUBLE-ROW RACK OF ON-END WOODEN BARRELS

8 FT (2.4 M)

9 FT (2.7 M) MAXIMUM

PLAN VIEW MAXIMUM

ELEVATION VIEW

, = IN-RACK SPRINKLERS

Figure credit: FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 7-29

STORAGE OF DISTILLED SPIRITS AND WINES

FIGURE 4005.2.3.6(5)—IN-RACK SPRINKLER LAYOUT FOR MULTIPLE-ROW RACK OF ON-END WOODEN BARRELS

8 FT (2.4 M)

4–5 FT (1.2–1.5 M) MAXIMUM

4–5 FT (1.2–1.5 M) MAXIMUM

4–5 FT (1.2–1.5 M) MAXIMUM

4–5 FT (1.2–1.5 M) MAXIMUM

PLAN VIEW

MAXIMUM

SECOND TIER FACE SPRINKLERS ALL TIERS LONGITUDINAL FLUE SPRINKLERS

= IN-RACK SPRINKLERS

2 TO 3 DRUMS

AND

10 – 15 FT

– (3 4.6 M) MAXIMUM

,,

2 D
2 D A 10 F
10
MA
2 DRU
AND
10 FT (3
MAXIM
DRUMS
2 DRUMS
D
AND
5 FT 1 DRU
10 FT (3 M)
6 M) AND
MAXIMUM
MUM 5 FT (1.
MAXIM		 2 DRU
AND
10 FT (3
MAXIM
1 DRU
AND
5 FT (1.
MAXIM
2 DRU
AND
10 FT (3
MAXIM
1 DRU
AND
5 FT (1.
MAXIM
DRUMS
D
5 FT
6 M)
MUM
2 DRUMS
AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM
2 DRU
AND
10 FT (3
MAXIM
1 DRU
AND
5 FT (1.
MAXIM
DRUMS
D
5 FT
6 M)
MUM
2 DRUMS
AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM
2 DRU
AND
10 FT (3
MAXIM
1 DRU
AND
5 FT (1.
MAXIM
DRUMS
D
5 FT
6 M)
MUM
2 DRUMS
AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM
2 DRU
AND
10 FT (3
MAXIM
1 DRU
AND
5 FT (1.
MAXIM
DRUMS
D
5 FT
6 M)
MUM
2 DRUMS
AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM
2 DRU
AND
10 FT (3
MAXIM
1 DRU
AND
5 FT (1.
MAXIM
DRUMS
D
5 FT
6 M)
MUM
2 DRUMS
AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM
2 DRU
AND
10 FT (3
MAXIM
1 DRU
AND
5 FT (1.
MAXIM
DRUMS
D
5 FT
6 M)
MUM
2 DRUMS
AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM
2 DRU
AND
10 FT (3
MAXIM
1 DRU
AND
5 FT (1.
MAXIM
DRUMS
D
5 FT
6 M)
MUM
2 DRUMS
AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM
2 DRU
AND
10 FT (3
MAXIM
1 DRU
AND
5 FT (1.
MAXIM
DRUMS
D
5 FT
6 M)
MUM
2 DRUMS
AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM		 2 DRUMS
2 DRU
AND
10 FT (3
MAXIM
1 DRU
AND
5 FT (1.
MAXIM
DRUMS
D
5 FT
6 M)
MUM
2 DRUMS
AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM		 2 DRUMS
2 DRU
AND
10 FT (3
MAXIM
1 DRU
AND
5 FT (1.
MAXIM
DRUMS
D
5 FT
6 M)
MUM
2 DRUMS
AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM		 2 DRUMS
2 DRU
AND
10 FT (3
MAXIM
1 DRU
AND
5 FT (1.
MAXIM
DRUMS
D
5 FT
6 M)
MUM
2 DRUMS
AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM		 AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM
2 DRU
AND
10 FT (3
MAXIM
1 DRU
AND
5 FT (1.
MAXIM
DRUMS
D
5 FT
6 M)
MUM
2 DRUMS
AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM		 AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM
2 DRU
AND
10 FT (3
MAXIM
1 DRU
AND
5 FT (1.
MAXIM
DRUMS
D
5 FT
6 M)
MUM
2 DRUMS
AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM		 AND
10 FT (3 M)
MAXIMUM

ELEVATION VIEW

,, = IN-RACK SPRINKLERS

Figure credit: FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 7-29

Exceptions & meaning →

4005.3 Wine with 20 percent or less alcohol content.

The storage of wine in barrels with an alcohol content of 20 percent or less shall be protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

Exceptions & meaning →

4005.4 Portable fire extinguishers.

Approved portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with Section 906.

Exceptions & meaning →

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California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)

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