Section 5601 — GENERAL

5601.1 Scope. ¶

The provisions of this chapter shall govern the possession, manufacture, storage, handling, sale and use of explosives, explosive materials, fireworks rockets, emergency signaling devices and small arms ammunition.

Exceptions:

The Armed Forces of the United States, Coast Guard or National Guard.
Explosives in forms prescribed by the official United States Pharmacopoeia.
The possession, storage and use of small arms ammunition where packaged in accordance with DOTn packaging requirements.
The possession, storage and use of not more than 1 pound (0.454 kg) of commercially manufactured sporting black powder, 20 pounds (9 kg) of smokeless powder and 10,000 small arms primers for hand loading of small arms ammunition for personal consumption.
The use of explosive materials by federal, state and local regulatory, law enforcement and fire agencies acting in their official capacities.
Special industrial explosive devices that in the aggregate contain less than 50 pounds (23 kg) of explosive materials.
The possession, storage and use of blank industrial-power load cartridges where packaged in accordance with DOTn packaging regulations.
Transportation in accordance with DOTn 49 CFR Parts 100–185.
Items preempted by federal regulations. 10. Items preempted by state law and/or regulations.

For additional provisions regarding the possession, manufacture, storage, handling, sale and use of explosives, see California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 10.

5601.1.1 Explosive material standard. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, NFPA 495 shall govern the manufacture, transportation, storage, sale, handling and use of explosive materials .

5601.1.2 Explosive material terminals. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, the operation of explosive material terminals shall conform to the provisions of NFPA 498.

5601.1.3 Fireworks. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited.

Exceptions:

Storage and handling of fireworks as allowed in Section 5604.
Manufacture, assembly and testing of fireworks as allowed in Section 5605 and Health and Safety Code Division 11.
The use of fireworks for fireworks displays pyrotechnics before a proximate audience and pyrotechnic special effects in motion pictures, television, theatrical or group entertainment productions as allowed in Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6 Fireworks reprinted in Section 5608 and Health and Safety Code Division 11.
The possession, storage, sale, handling and use of specific types of Division 1.4G fireworks where allowed by applicable laws, ordinances and regulations, provided that such fireworks and facilities comply with the 2006 edition of NFPA 1124, CPSC 16 CFR Parts 1500 and 1507, and DOTn 49 CFR Parts 100–185, as applicable for consumer fireworks and Health and Safety Code Division 11.

ision 11._ 4. The possession, storage, sale, handling and use of specific types of Division 1.4G fireworks where allowed by applicable laws, ordinances and regulations, provided that such fireworks and facilities comply with the 2006 edition of NFPA 1124, CPSC 16 CFR Parts 1500 and 1507, and DOTn 49 CFR Parts 100–185, as applicable for consumer fireworks and Health and Safety Code Division 11.

5601.1.4 Rocketry. For rocketry requirements see California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6, reprinted in Sections 5610, 5611 and 5612.

5601.1.5 Ammonium nitrate. The storage and handling of ammonium nitrate shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 400 and Chapter 63.

Exception: Storage of ammonium nitrate in magazines with blasting agents shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 495.

5601.2 Permit required. ¶

Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.5 and regulated in accordance with this section.

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EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS

5601.2.1 Residential uses. Persons shall not keep or store, nor shall any permit be issued to keep or store, any explosives at any place of habitation, or within 100 feet (30 480 mm) thereof.

Exception: Storage of smokeless propellant, black powder and small arms primers for personal use and not for resale in accordance with Section 5606.

5601.2.2 Sale and retail display. Persons shall not construct a retail display nor offer for sale explosives, explosive materials or fireworks on highways, sidewalks, public property or in Group A or E occupancies.

Exception: Fireworks in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6, see Section 5608.

5601.2.3 Permit restrictions. The fire code official is authorized to limit the quantity of explosives, explosive materials or fireworks permitted at a given location. Persons possessing a permit for storage of explosives at any place, shall not keep or store an amount greater than authorized in such permit. Only the kind of explosive specified in such a permit shall be kept or stored.

Exception: Fireworks in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6, see Section 5608.

5601.2.4 Financial responsibility. Before a permit is issued, as required by Section 5601.2, the applicant shall file with the jurisdiction a corporate surety bond in the principal sum of $100,000 or a public liability insurance policy for the same amount, for the purpose of the payment of all damages to persons or property that arise from, or are caused by, the conduct of any act authorized by the permit upon which any judicial judgment results. The fire code official is authorized to specify a greater or lesser amount when, in his or her opinion, conditions at the location of use indicate a greater or lesser amount is required. Government entities shall be exempt from this bond requirement.

Exception: Fireworks in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6, see Section 5608.

5601.2.4.1 Blasting. Before approval to do blasting is issued, the applicant for approval shall file a bond or submit a certificate of insurance in such form, amount and coverage as determined by the legal department of the jurisdiction to be adequate in each case to indemnify the jurisdiction against any and all damages arising from permitted blasting.

5601.2.4.2 Fireworks display. The permit holder shall furnish a bond or certificate of insurance in an amount deemed adequate by the fire code official for the payment of all potential damages to a person or persons or to property by reason of the permitted display, and arising from any acts of the permit holder, the agent, employees or subcontractors.

5601.3 Prohibited explosives. ¶

Permits shall not be issued or renewed for possession, manufacture, storage, handling, sale or use of the following materials and such materials currently in storage or use shall be disposed of in an approved manner.

Liquid nitroglycerin.
Dynamite containing more than 60-percent liquid explosive ingredient.
Dynamite having an unsatisfactory absorbent or one that permits leakage of a liquid explosive ingredient under any conditions liable to exist during storage.
Nitrocellulose in a dry and uncompressed condition in a quantity greater than 10 pounds (4.54 kg) of net weight in one package.
Fulminate of mercury in a dry condition and fulminate of all other metals in any condition except as a component of manufactured articles not hereinafter forbidden.
Explosive compositions that ignite spontaneously or undergo marked decomposition, rendering the products of their use more hazardous, when subjected for 48 consecutive hours or less to a temperature of 167°F (75°C).
New explosive materials until approved by DOTn, except that permits are allowed to be issued to educational, governmental or industrial laboratories for instructional or research purposes.
Explosive materials forbidden for transport by DOTn.
Explosive materials containing an ammonium salt and a chlorate.
Explosives not packed or marked as required by DOTn 49 CFR Parts 100–185.

Exception: Gelatin dynamite.

5601.3.1 Abandonment prohibited. No explosives shall be abandoned, but shall be returned to proper storage.

5601.4 Qualifications. ¶

Persons in charge of magazines, blasting, fireworks display or pyrotechnic special effect operations shall not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs that impair sensory or motor skills, shall be not less than 21 years of age and shall demonstrate knowledge of all safety precautions related to the storage, handling or use of explosives, explosive materials or fireworks.

5601.5 Supervision. ¶

The fire code official is authorized to require operations permitted under the provisions of Section 5601.2 to be supervised at any time by the fire code official in order to determine compliance with all safety and fire regulations.

5601.6 Notification. ¶

Whenever a new explosive material storage or manufacturing site is established, including a temporary job site, the local law enforcement agency, fire department and local emergency planning committee shall be notified 48 hours in advance, not including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, of the type, quantity and location of explosive materials at the site.

5601.7 Seizure. ¶

The fire code official is authorized to remove or cause to be removed or disposed of in an approved manner, at the expense of the owner, explosives, explosive materials or fireworks offered or exposed for sale, stored, possessed or used in violation of this chapter.

5601.8 Establishment of quantity of explosives and distances. ¶

The quantity of explosives and distances shall be in accordance with Sections 5601.8.1 through 5601.8.1.4.

56-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS

5601.8.1 Quantity of explosives. The quantity-distance (Q-D) tables in Sections 5604.5 and 5605.3 shall be used to provide the minimum separation distances from potential explosion sites as set forth in Tables 5601.8.1(1) through 5601.8.1(3). The classification and the weight of the explosives are primary characteristics governing the use of these tables. The net explosive weight shall be determined in accordance with Sections 5601.8.1.1 through 5601.8.1.4.

tables in Sections 5604.5 and 5605.3 shall be used to provide the minimum separation distances from potential explosion sites as set forth in Tables 5601.8.1(1) through 5601.8.1(3). The classification and the weight of the explosives are primary characteristics governing the use of these tables. The net explosive weight shall be determined in accordance with Sections 5601.8.1.1 through 5601.8.1.4.

TABLE 5601.8.1(1)—APPLICATION OF QUANTITY-DISTANCE (Q-D) TABLES—DIVISION 1.1, 1.2 AND 1.5 EXPLOSIVESa, b, c

ITEM	MAGAZINE	OPERATING BUILDING	INHABITED BUILDING	PUBLIC TRAFFIC ROUTE
Inhabited building	IBD in Table 5604.5.2(1)	IBD in Table 5604.5.2(1)	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Magazine	IMD in Table 5604.5.2(1)	ILD or IPD in Table 5605.3	IBD in Table 5604.5.2(1)	PTR in Table 5604.5.2(1)
Operating building	ILD or IPD in Table 5604.5.2(1)	ILD or IPD in Table 5605.3	IBD in Table 5604.5.2(1)	PTR in Table 5604.5.2(1)
Public traffic route	PTR in Table 5604.5.2(1)	PTR in Table 5604.5.2(1)	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. a. The minimum separation distance shall be 60 feet. Where a building or magazine containing explosives is barricaded, the minimum distance shall be 30 feet. b. Linear interpolation between tabular values in the referenced Q-D tables shall not be allowed. Nonlinear interpolation of the values shall be allowed subject to an approved technical opinion and report prepared in accordance with Section 104.2.2. c. For definitions of quantity-distance abbreviations IBD, ILD, IMD, IPD and PTR, see Chapter 2.

TABLE 5601.8.1(2)—APPLICATION OF QUANTITY-DISTANCE (Q-D) TABLES—DIVISION 1.3 EXPLOSIVESa, b, c

ITEM	MAGAZINE	OPERATING BUILDING	INHABITED BUILDING	PUBLIC TRAFFIC ROUTE
Inhabited building	IBD in Table 5604.5.2(2)	IBD in Table 5604.5.2(2)	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Magazine	IMD in Table 5604.5.2(2)	ILD or IPD in Table 5604.5.2(2)	IBD in Table 5604.5.2(2)	PTR in Table 5604.5.2(2)
Operating building	ILD or IPD in Table 5604.5.2(2)	ILD or IPD in Table 5604.5.2(2)	IBD in Table 5604.5.2(2)	PTR in Table 5604.5.2(2)
Public traffic route	PTR in Table 5604.5.2(2)	PTR in Table 5604.5.2(2)	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. a. The minimum separation distance shall be not less than 50 feet. b. Linear interpolation between tabular values in the referenced Q-D table shall be allowed. c. For definitions of quantity-distance abbreviations IBD, ILD, IMD, IPD and PTR, see Chapter 2.

TABLE 5601.8.1(3)—APPLICATION OF QUANTITY-DISTANCE (Q-D) TABLES—DIVISION 1.4 EXPLOSIVESa, b, c

ITEM	MAGAZINE	OPERATING BUILDING	INHABITED BUILDING	PUBLIC TRAFFIC ROUTE
Inhabited building	IBD in Table 5604.5.2(3)	IBD in Table 5604.5.2(3)	Not Applicable	Not Applicable

TABLE 5601.8.1(1)—APPLICATION OF QUANTITY-DISTANCE (Q-D) TABLES—DIVISION 1.1, 1.2 AND 1.5 EXPLOSIVESa, b, c

Magazine	IMD in Table 5604.5.2(3)	ILD or IPD in Table 5604.5.2(3)	IBD in Table 5604.5.2(3)	PTR in Table 5604.5.2(3)
Operating building	ILD or IPD in Table 5604.5.2(3)	ILD or IPD in Table 5604.5.2(3)	IBD in Table 5604.5.2(3)	PTR in Table 5604.5.2(3)
Public traffic route	PTR in Table 5604.5.2(3)	PTR in Table 5604.5.2(3)	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. a. The minimum separation distance shall be not less than 50 feet. b. Linear interpolation between tabular values in the referenced Q-D table shall not be allowed. c. For definitions of quantity-distance abbreviations IBD, ILD, IMD, IPD and PTR, see Chapter 2.

5601.8.1.1 Mass-detonating explosives (Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.5). The total net explosive weight of mass-detonating explosives (Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.5) shall be used. See Table 5604.5.2(1) or Table 5605.3, as appropriate.

Exception: Where the TNT equivalence of the explosive material has been determined, the equivalence is allowed to be used to establish the net explosive weight.

5601.8.1.2 Nonmass-detonating explosives (excluding Division 1.4). Nonmass-detonating explosives (excluding Division 1.4) shall be as follows:

Division 1.3 propellants. The total weight of the propellants alone shall be the net explosive weight. The net weight of propellant shall be used. See Table 5604.5.2(2).
Combinations of bulk metal powder and pyrotechnic compositions. The sum of the net weights of metal powders and pyrotechnic compositions in the containers shall be the net explosive weight. See Table 5604.5.2(2).

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EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS

5601.8.1.3 Combinations of mass-detonating and nonmass-detonating explosives (excluding Division 1.4). Combination of mass-detonating and nonmass-detonating explosives (excluding Division 1.4) shall be as follows:

Where Division 1.1 and 1.2 explosives are located in the same site, determine the distance for the total quantity considered first as 1.1 and then as 1.2. The required distance is the greater of the two. Where the Division 1.1 requirements are controlling and the TNT equivalence of the 1.2 is known, the TNT equivalent weight of the 1.2 items shall be allowed to be added to the total explosive weight of Division 1.1 items to determine the net explosive weight for Division 1.1 distance determination. See Table 5604.5.2(2) or 5605.3, as appropriate.
Where Division 1.1 and 1.3 explosives are located in the same site, determine the distances for the total quantity considered first as 1.1 and then as 1.3. The required distance is the greater of the two. Where the Division 1.1 requirements are controlling and the TNT equivalence of the 1.3 is known, the TNT equivalent weight of the 1.3 items shall be allowed to be added to the total explosive weight of Division 1.1 items to determine the net explosive weight for Division 1.1 distance determination. See Table 5604.5.2(1), 5604.5.2(2) or 5605.3, as appropriate.
Where Division 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 explosives are located in the same site, determine the distances for the total quantity considered first as 1.1, next as 1.2 and finally as 1.3. The required distance is the greatest of the three. As allowed by Items 1 and 2, TNT equivalent weights for 1.2 and 1.3 items are allowed to be used to determine the net weight of explosives for Division 1.1 distance determination. Table 5604.5.2(1) or 5605.3 shall be used where TNT equivalency is used to establish the net explosive weight.
For composite pyrotechnic items Division 1.1 and Division 1.3, the sum of the net weights of the pyrotechnic composition and the explosives involved shall be used. See Tables 5604.5.2(1) and 5604.5.2(2).

5601.8.1.4 Moderate fire—no blast hazards (Division 1.4). For Division 1.4 explosives, the total weight of the explosive material alone is the net weight. The net weight of the explosive material shall be used.