CFC · California Fire Code
General Requirements and Emergency Planning
Chapter 3 sets general premises rules and Chapter 4 requires occupancy‑appropriate emergency plans, drills, training and hazard communication to manage fire and other emergencies.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This area of the California Fire Code covers the baseline safety rules for premises (Chapter 3, “General Requirements”) and the emergency‑planning, training and drill requirements that govern occupant and staff response to fires and other emergencies (Chapter 4, “Emergency Planning and Preparedness”) . Chapter 4 centers on the human element — reporting and notification, coordination with responders, approved emergency plans and implementation when alarms or incidents occur (see §401) .
The chapter breaks requirements down by occupancy and function so that assembly, educational, institutional, residential, hazardous‑materials and other occupancies get the tailored plans, drills and staffing they need (see the occupancy‑specific requirements in §403) . It also specifies what must be in fire safety and evacuation plans (routes, refuge areas, accountability, notification and site/floor plans) and links those plans to drill (§405) and training (§406) obligations for employees and designated emergency personnel .
Key sections to know: §401 (general requirements and reporting), §403 (occupancy‑based emergency preparedness), §404 (required contents of fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plans), §405 (evacuation drills), §406 (employee training and response procedures) and §407 (hazard communication) — all found in Chapter 4 and used together with Chapter 3 general provisions .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 1203 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 PARTS AND CHAPTERS SUBJECTS Part I—Chapters 1 and 2 Administrative and definitions Part II—Chapters 3 and 4 General safety provisions Part III—Chapters 5 through 12 Building and equipment design features Part III—Chapters 13 through 19 Reserved for future use Part IV—Chapters 20 through 41_; 48 and 49_ Special occupancies and operations Part IV—Chapters 42 through_47_ Reserved for future use Part V—Chapters 50, 51 and 53 through 67 Hazardous materials Part V—Chapters_ 52,_ 68 through 79 Reserved for future use Part VI—Chapter 80 Referenced standards Part VII—Appendices A through Q Adoptable and informational appendices 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE xiii
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California Building Code Correlated Topics
The CFC requirements for fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish, fire protection systems, means of egress and construction safeguards are directly correlated to the chapters containing parallel requirements in the CBC as follows:
CFC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3 CFC CHAPTER/SECTION CBC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Fire and smoke protection features (Fire-resistance-rated construction in the CBC) Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Interior finish, decorative materials and furnishings Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Fire protection and life safety systems Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Means of egress Section 1203 Chapter 27 Emergency and standby power Chapter 31 Section 3103 Temporary structures Chapter 33 Chapter 33 Construction fire safety Chapters 50–67 Sections 307, 414, 415 Hazardous materials and Group H requirements PART I—ADMINISTRATIVE
Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
PART II—GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS
Chapter 3 General Requirements
General regulations contained in Chapter 3, are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.
Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness
Chapter 4 addresses the human contribution to life safety during emergencies. Continuous training and scheduled fire, evacuation and lockdown drills can be as important as the required periodic inspections and maintenance of built-in fire protection features. The level of preparation by the occupants also improves the emergency responders’ abilities during an emergency.
PART III—BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES
Chapter 5 Fire Service Features
CFC § 401.9 High relevance — show source text
401.9 Evacuation of buildings. Upon notification of fire, conduct of any fire drill, upon activation of the fire alarm, or upon orders of the fire authority having jurisdiction, buildings or structures within the scope of these regulations shall be immediately evacuated or occu- pants shall be relocated in accordance with established plans.
SECTION 402—DEFINITIONS
402.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILL .
LOCKDOWN .
SECTION 403 —EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS REQUIREMENTS
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.
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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.
CFC § 3-15 High relevance — show source text
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15 319 Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing). . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16 320 Battery Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17 321 Artificial Combustible Vegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19 322 Powered Micromobility Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
323 Road Tunnels, Bridges and Other Limited Access Highways [SFM]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-20
CHAPTER 4 EMERGENCY PLANNING AND
PREPAREDNESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
401 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
402 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
403 Emergency Preparedness Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . 4-3 404 Fire Safety, Evacuation and Lockdown Plans . . . . . . 4-10 405 Emergency Evacuation Drills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13 406 Employee Training and Response Procedures. . . . . 4-15
407 Hazard Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
CHAPTER 5 FIRE SERVICE FEATURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
501 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
502 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
503 Fire Apparatus Access Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 504 Access to Building Openings and Roofs . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5 505 Premises Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
CFC § 4-5 High relevance — show source text
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- 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.
CFC § 1571.6 High relevance — show source text
and if said consignee does not receive and remove the said explosives from the posses-_ sion of the carrier within 48-hours (Sundays and holidays excluded), after such notification, then the railway, trucking firm, vessel agent or airline shall remove the said explosives from the city, city and county, county, fire protection district, or state or to a permitted maga- zine or make a report to the “Chief” having jurisdiction, who shall see that the said explosives are moved to a place of safety.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.6 Cargo Removal]
§1571.6 Cargo Removal. Any person having been notified, as consignee, of a shipment of explosives being in the hands of any carrier, within any city, city and county, county, fire protection district, or the state, shall remove the said explosives within 48-hours (Sundays and holidays excluded), after receiving such notification to a place meeting the requirements of these rules and regulations.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.7 Facility Designation]
§1571.7 Facility Designation. The “Chief” having jurisdiction has the authority to and may designate the location for, and limit the quantity of, explosives which may be loaded, unloaded or temporarily retained at any facility within his jurisdiction.
SECTION 5605—MANUFACTURE, ASSEMBLY AND TESTING OF EXPLOSIVES, EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS AND FIREWORKS
5605.1 General. The manufacture, assembly and testing of explosives, ammunition, blasting agents and fireworks shall comply with the requirements of this section and NFPA 495 or NFPA 1124.
Exceptions:
- The hand loading of small arms ammunition prepared for personal use and not offered for resale.
- The mixing and loading of blasting agents at blasting sites in accordance with NFPA 495.
- The use of binary explosives or plosophoric materials in blasting or pyrotechnic special effects applications in accordance with NFPA 495 or NFPA 1126.
5605.2 Emergency planning and preparedness. Emergency plans, emergency drills, employee training and hazard communication shall conform to the provisions of this section and Sections 404, 405, 406 and 407.
5605.2.1 Hazardous Materials Management Plans and Inventory Statements required. Detailed Hazardous Materials Management Plans (HMMP) and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statements (HMIS) complying with the requirements of Section 407 shall be prepared and submitted to the local emergency planning committee, the fire code official and the local fire department.
5605.2.2 Maintenance of plans. A copy of the required HMMP and HMIS shall be maintained on site and furnished to the fire code official on request.
5605.2.3 Employee training. Workers who handle explosives or explosive charges or dispose of explosives shall be trained in the hazards of the materials and processes in which they are to be engaged and with the safety rules governing such materials and
processes.
5605.2.4 Emergency procedures. Approved emergency procedures shall be formulated for each plant and shall include personal instruction in any anticipated emergency. Personnel shall be made aware of an emergency warning signal.
5605.3 Intraplant separation of operating buildings. Explosives manufacturing buildings and fireworks manufacturing buildings, including those where explosive charges are assembled, manufactured, prepared or loaded utilizing Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 or 1.5
CFC § 4-1 High relevance — show source text
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User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 4 addresses the human contribution to life safety in buildings when a fire or other emergency occurs. The requirements for continuous training and scheduled fire, evacuation and lockdown drills can be as important as the required periodic inspections and maintenance of built-in fire protection features. The level of preparation by the occupants also improves the emergency responders’ abilities during an emergency. The California Building Code focuses on built-in fire protection features, such as automatic sprinkler systems, fire-resistance-rated construction and properly designed egress systems, whereas this chapter fully addresses the human element.
SECTION 401—GENERAL
401.1 Scope. Reporting of emergencies, coordination with emergency response forces, emergency plans and procedures for managing or responding to emergencies shall comply with the provisions of this section.
Exception: Firms that have approved on-premises firefighting organizations and that are in compliance with approved procedures for fire reporting.
401.2 Approval. Where required by this code, fire safety plans, emergency procedures and employee training programs shall be approved by the fire code official.
401.3 Emergency responder notification. Notification of emergency responders shall be in accordance with Sections 401.3.1 through 401.3.3.
401.3.1 Fire events. In the event an unwanted fire occurs on a property, the owner or occupant shall immediately report such condition to the fire department.
401.3.2 Alarm activations. Upon activation of a fire alarm signal, employees or staff shall immediately notify the fire department.
401.3.3 Delayed notification. A person shall not, by verbal or written directive, require any delay in the reporting of a fire to the fire department.
401.3.4 Group E fire alarm initiation. 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.
401.4 Required plan implementation. In the event an unwanted fire is detected in a building or a fire alarm activates, the emergency plan shall be implemented.
401.5 Making false report. A person shall not give, signal or transmit a false alarm.
401.6 Emergency evacuation drills. The sounding of a fire alarm signal and the carrying out of an emergency evacuation drill in accordance with the provisions of Section 405 shall be allowed.
401.7 Unplanned evacuation. Evacuations made necessary by the unplanned activation of a fire alarm system or by any other emergency shall not be substituted for a required evacuation drill.
401.8 Interference with fire department operations. It shall be unlawful to interfere with, attempt to interfere with, conspire to interfere with, obstruct or restrict the mobility of or block the path of travel of a fire department emergency vehicle in any way, or to interfere with, attempt to interfere with, conspire to interfere with, obstruct or hamper any fire department operation.
CFC § 404.1 Medium relevance — show source text
404.1 General. Where required by Section 403 or other sections of this code, fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plans shall comply with Sections 404.2 through 404.4.1.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.10] Evacuation of Buildings.
Upon notification of fire, conduct of any fire drill, upon activation of the fire alarm, or upon orders of the fire authority having jurisdic- tion, buildings or structures within the scope of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall be immediately evacuated or occupants shall be relocated in accordance with established plans.
404.2 Contents. Fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plan contents shall be in accordance with Sections 404.2.1 through 404.2.3.2.
404.2.1 Fire evacuation plans. Fire evacuation plans shall include the following:
- Emergency egress or escape routes and whether evacuation of the building is to be complete by selected floors or areas only or with a defend-in-place response.
- Procedures for employees who must remain to operate critical equipment before evacuating.
- Procedures for the use of elevators to evacuate the building where occupant evacuation elevators complying with Section 3008 of the California Building Code are provided.
- Procedures for assisted rescue for persons unable to use the general means of egress unassisted.
- Procedures for accounting for employees and occupants after evacuation has been completed.
- Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for rescue or emergency medical aid.
- The preferred and any alternative means of notifying occupants of a fire or emergency.
- The preferred and any alternative means of reporting fires and other emergencies to the fire department or designated emergency response organization.
- Identification and assignment of personnel who can be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan.
- A description of the emergency voice/alarm communication system alert tone and preprogrammed voice messages, where provided.
404.2.2 Fire safety plans. Fire safety plans shall include the following:
- The procedure for reporting a fire or other emergency.
- The life safety strategy including the following: 2.1. Procedures for notifying occupants, including areas with a private mode alarm system. 2.2. Procedures for occupants under a defend-in-place response. 2.3. Procedures for evacuating occupants, including those who need evacuation assistance.
- Site plans indicating the following: 3.1. The occupancy assembly point. 3.2. The locations of fire hydrants. 3.3. The normal routes of fire department vehicle access.
- Floor plans identifying the locations of the following:
4.1. Exits.
4.2. Primary evacuation routes. 4.3. Secondary evacuation routes.
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4.4. Accessible egress routes. 4.4.1. Areas of refuge.
4.4.2. Exterior areas for assisted rescue.
4.5. Refuge areas associated with smoke barriers and horizontal exits.
4.6. Manual fire alarm boxes.
4.7. Portable fire extinguishers. 4.8. Occupant-use hose stations.
4.9. Fire alarm annunciators and controls.
CFC § 401.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
401.3.1 Fire events. In the event an unwanted fire occurs on a property, the owner or occupant shall immediately report such condition to the fire department.
401.3.2 Alarm activations. Upon activation of a fire alarm signal, employees or staff shall immediately notify the fire department.
401.3.3 Delayed notification. A person shall not, by verbal or written directive, require any delay in the reporting of a fire to the fire department.
401.3.4 Group E fire alarm initiation. 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.
401.4 Required plan implementation. In the event an unwanted fire is detected in a building or a fire alarm activates, the emergency plan shall be implemented.
401.5 Making false report. A person shall not give, signal or transmit a false alarm.
401.6 Emergency evacuation drills. The sounding of a fire alarm signal and the carrying out of an emergency evacuation drill in accordance with the provisions of Section 405 shall be allowed.
401.7 Unplanned evacuation. Evacuations made necessary by the unplanned activation of a fire alarm system or by any other emergency shall not be substituted for a required evacuation drill.
401.8 Interference with fire department operations. It shall be unlawful to interfere with, attempt to interfere with, conspire to interfere with, obstruct or restrict the mobility of or block the path of travel of a fire department emergency vehicle in any way, or to interfere with, attempt to interfere with, conspire to interfere with, obstruct or hamper any fire department operation.
401.9 Evacuation of buildings. Upon notification of fire, conduct of any fire drill, upon activation of the fire alarm, or upon orders of the fire authority having jurisdiction, buildings or structures within the scope of these regulations shall be immediately evacuated or occu- pants shall be relocated in accordance with established plans.
SECTION 402—DEFINITIONS
402.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILL .
LOCKDOWN .
SECTION 403 —EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS REQUIREMENTS
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.
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CFC § 3.13 Medium relevance — show source text
Title 19, Division 1]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |401− 401.9|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |402|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |403|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.13 (a)(1)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.13 (c)(1)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |404.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.10]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.13 (a)(2)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.13 (b)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |404.5-404.6.6|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |405|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.13 (a)(1)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.13 (c)(2 & 3)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |406|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |407|||X|||||||||||||||||||||- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 4 addresses the human contribution to life safety in buildings when a fire or other emergency occurs. The requirements for continuous training and scheduled fire, evacuation and lockdown drills can be as important as the required periodic inspections and maintenance of built-in fire protection features. The level of preparation by the occupants also improves the emergency responders’ abilities during an emergency. The California Building Code focuses on built-in fire protection features, such as automatic sprinkler systems, fire-resistance-rated construction and properly designed egress systems, whereas this chapter fully addresses the human element.
SECTION 401—GENERAL
401.1 Scope. Reporting of emergencies, coordination with emergency response forces, emergency plans and procedures for managing or responding to emergencies shall comply with the provisions of this section.
Exception: Firms that have approved on-premises firefighting organizations and that are in compliance with approved procedures for fire reporting.
401.2 Approval. Where required by this code, fire safety plans, emergency procedures and employee training programs shall be approved by the fire code official.
401.3 Emergency responder notification. Notification of emergency responders shall be in accordance with Sections 401.3.1 through 401.3.3.
CFC § 403.4.2 Medium relevance — show source text
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.
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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.
CFC § 404.2.2 Medium relevance — show source text
- The preferred and any alternative means of reporting fires and other emergencies to the fire department or designated emergency response organization.
- Identification and assignment of personnel who can be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan.
- A description of the emergency voice/alarm communication system alert tone and preprogrammed voice messages, where provided.
404.2.2 Fire safety plans. Fire safety plans shall include the following:
- The procedure for reporting a fire or other emergency.
- The life safety strategy including the following: 2.1. Procedures for notifying occupants, including areas with a private mode alarm system. 2.2. Procedures for occupants under a defend-in-place response. 2.3. Procedures for evacuating occupants, including those who need evacuation assistance.
- Site plans indicating the following: 3.1. The occupancy assembly point. 3.2. The locations of fire hydrants. 3.3. The normal routes of fire department vehicle access.
- Floor plans identifying the locations of the following:
4.1. Exits.
4.2. Primary evacuation routes. 4.3. Secondary evacuation routes.
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4.4. Accessible egress routes. 4.4.1. Areas of refuge.
4.4.2. Exterior areas for assisted rescue.
4.5. Refuge areas associated with smoke barriers and horizontal exits.
4.6. Manual fire alarm boxes.
4.7. Portable fire extinguishers. 4.8. Occupant-use hose stations.
4.9. Fire alarm annunciators and controls.
A list of major fire hazards associated with the normal use and occupancy of the premises, including maintenance and housekeeping procedures.
Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance of systems and equipment installed to prevent or control fires.
Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance, housekeeping and controlling fuel hazard
sources.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(a)(2)] Fire Drills. (Group E Occupancies)
(a) Group E Occupancies.
(2) 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:
(A) Posting of the telephone number of the fire department in the office and/or at the main switchboard.
(B) 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.
(C) 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.
(D) Posting in each classroom instructions to be followed by the teacher. These should include: 1. Maintaining of order during evacuation. 2. Removal of roll call book and calling of roll when designated evacuation area is reached.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(b)] Fire Drills. (College and University)
CFC § 404.6.3 Medium relevance — show source text
2. Provide a notice on the room key jacket advising guests with disabilities who have special emergency evacuation requirements to so notify the front desk. 3. Utilize such other means for allowing such guests with disabilities to so identify themselves as may be approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
404.6.3 Stairways. Hotels, motels, lodging houses, high-rise office buildings and Group I, Division 1 and 2 occupancies as defined in the California Building Code (except honor farms and conservation camps) shall comply with this section.
404.6.3.1 Emergency procedures information printed on a floor plan shall be posted at every stairway landing, at every elevator landing and immediately inside all public entrances to the building. The information shall be representative of the floor level and be posted so that the bottom edge of such information is not located more than 4-feet above the floor, where it can be easily iden-
4-12 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
tified. Emergency procedures information shall be printed with a minimum of [3] / 16 -inch nondecorative lettering providing a sharp contrast to the background.
404.6.3.1.1 Emergency procedures information shall include, but not be limited to, that described in Section 404.6.1.2.
404.6.4 Emergency Director. Owner(s) and operator(s) of hotels, motels, lodging houses, high-rise office buildings and Group I, Divi- sion 1 and 2 occupancies as defined in the California Building Code (except honor farms and conservation camps) shall appoint a Fire Safety Director, who shall: 1. Report to owner(s) or operator(s). 2. Coordinate fire safety activities of the facility with the authority having jurisdiction. 3. Conduct, or cause to be conducted, all training as described in Sections 404.6.5 through 404.6.5.3 for all building employees and maintain records of dates, subjects and attendance of each training session. 4. Develop and maintain a written facility emergency plan acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. Upon request, the facility emergency plan shall be made physically available at the respective facility to the authority having jurisdiction. Facility emergency plans shall include, but not be limited to the following: 4.1. Fire department emergency telephone number 911. 4.2. Other emergency response telephone numbers. 4.3. Evacuation or relocation plan for the building occupants. 4.4. Duties of the Fire Safety Director and other designated emergency personnel. 4.5. Building employee responsibilities in case of emergency, including individual assignment and reporting responsibilities. 4.6. Procedures to identify and assist the nonambulatory and physically disabled. 5. Assure that the requirements of Section 404.6.4, item 4, subsection 4.6, procedures to identify and assist the nonambulatory and physically disabled are accomplished as follows: 5.1. Hotels, motels and lodging houses shall comply with subsection (b)(3); 5.2. Owner(s) or operator(s) of high-rise office buildings shall maintain a list of all permanent building tenants who _have disabilities.
Frequently asked questions
Which occupancies are required to have a fire safety and evacuation plan?
Where specified in §403, certain occupancies must keep an approved fire safety and evacuation plan — for example Group A assembly occupancies, many Group B and M occupancies above specified occupant loads, Group H hazardous occupancies, Group I institutions and various Group R residential occupancies; the code lists the occupancy‑specific triggers in §403 .
How often must employees be trained and drills conducted?
Employees must be trained on applicable fire safety and evacuation plans at new‑hire orientation and at least annually thereafter per §406, and evacuation drills are governed by §405 with recordkeeping requirements for each drill (date, method, participants, problems, evacuation time, etc.) .
What must a fire safety or evacuation plan include?
A plan must describe life‑safety strategy and reporting procedures, identify primary and secondary egress routes, areas of refuge, assembly points, fire protection features and personnel assignments for rescue, notification and accountability — see the detailed content list in §404.2 .
More in California Fire Code
- Administration and Definitions
- Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (retrofit rules)
- Energy Systems and Stationary Energy Storage (ESS)
- Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)
- Fire Protection and Life‑Safety Systems (sprinklers, alarms, smoke control)
- Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access
- General Requirements and Emergency Planning
- Hazardous Materials — Storage, Use and Handling (Chapters 50–67)
- Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
- Means of Egress (exit design and maintenance)
- Referenced Standards and Adoptable Appendices (Chapter 80; Appendices A–Q)
- Special Occupancies and Operations (chapters 20–41, 48–49)
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Administration and Definitions
Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access
Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)
Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
Fire Protection and Life‑Safety Systems (sprinklers, alarms, smoke control)
Means of Egress (exit design and maintenance)
Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (retrofit rules)
Energy Systems and Stationary Energy Storage (ESS)
California Fire Code