CFC · California Fire Code

What are the evacuation drill frequency, initiation and recordkeeping requirements?

The California Fire Code requires evacuation drills at the frequencies in Table 405.3 (and any occupancy-specific additions), initiation by the fire alarm when installed, efforts to account for occupants at assembly points, and detailed recordkeeping for each drill (who ran it, when, method, participants, problems, and total evacuation time).

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

Emergency evacuation drills must be run at the intervals listed in Table 405.3 when required by the fire code official or where a fire safety/evacuation plan is required; drills must involve actual evacuation (unless an exception applies) and be designed with local authorities (§ 405.1, § 405.2, § 405.3) .
If a building has a fire alarm system, drills are to be started by activating that system (§ 405.8) and as occupants arrive at the assembly area the building must attempt to account for everyone (§ 405.9) .
Records of each required drill — who ran it, when, notification method, participants, problems, evacuation time, etc. — must be maintained (§ 405.6) .

The single most important rule: run drills at the cadence set in Table 405.3, start them by the fire alarm if one exists, and keep an accurate drill log that documents who, when, how, and how long the evacuation took. § 405.3, § 405.8, § 405.6

Requirements in detail

Who must run drills / when they apply

  • Drills are required where a fire safety and evacuation plan is required by Section 403 or where the fire code official requires them (§ 405.1) .
  • Drills must be planned under competent leadership and coordinated with local authorities (§ 405.4) and held at unexpected times to simulate true conditions (§ 405.5) .

How often — decision table

Decision dimension Typical value Code Reference
Frequency for Group I-2 (hospitals) Quarterly on each shift (i.e., 4 drills per shift/year) Table 405.3 / § 405.3
Frequency for Group I-4 (day care) Monthly on each shift Table 405.3 / § 405.3
Frequency for Group R-1 (transient lodging employees) Quarterly on each shift Table 405.3 / § 405.3
Frequency for Group Ba (clinics, outpatient) Annually (staff) Table 405.3 / § 405.3
Threshold that triggers Group B drills Occupant load ≥ 500 OR > 100 persons above or below lowest level of exit discharge footnote to Table 405.3 / § 405.3

Notes: Table 405.3 lists occupancy-specific frequencies and participation (staff vs. all occupants); consult the table for the exact occupancy group and any footnotes that apply (§ 405.3) .

How drills are started (initiation)

  • When a fire alarm system is provided, an emergency evacuation drill must be initiated by activating the fire alarm system; use of the alarm is the required initiation method unless otherwise permitted by the authority having jurisdiction (§ 405.8) .

What must be recorded (recordkeeping)

Records of required emergency evacuation drills must include at minimum:

  • Identity of the person conducting the drill; date and time; notification method; employees on duty and participating; number of occupants evacuated; special conditions simulated; problems encountered; weather conditions; and time required to accomplish complete evacuation (§ 405.6) .

Accountability and assembly

  • As occupants reach the assembly point, efforts must be made to determine if all occupants have been evacuated or accounted for. There is an exception: in Group I-2 and ambulatory care facilities, moving care recipients to safe areas or exterior may not be required for accountability purposes (§ 405.9, exception; see also § 405.2 exceptions) .

Notification to the authority having jurisdiction

  • Where required by the fire code official, prior notification of evacuation drills must be given to that official (§ 405.7) .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Movement of care recipients to the exterior is not required in ambulatory care facilities and Group I-2 during drills; alternatives (e.g., moving to a safe area) are allowed (§ 405.2, exceptions; § 405.9 exception) .
  • Some occupancies have additional or alternative drill frequencies in other sections (for example, Group I staff drill additions under § 403.7.1.4 and Group R-4 under § 403.9.3.4) — these are in addition to Table 405.3 requirements and must be followed where applicable .
  • In severe climates the fire code official may modify termination points and frequency of drills (§ 405.5 exceptions) .
  • Where staff-only drills are held after visiting hours or where occupants are asleep, a coded announcement may be used in lieu of audible alarms in certain groups (R‑2.1, I‑2, I‑3, R‑4) — see the code exception text (§ 405.5 exceptions) .

If you need the precise drill count for a specific occupancy not listed above, consult Table 405.3; if that occupancy is governed by another section (e.g., schools, dormitories, certain institutional conditions), check the referenced § in Table 405.3 and the applicable 403-series section for additions or deviations (§ 405.3, § 403.x) .

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a single “annual” drill satisfies every occupancy — many occupancies require shift-based or more frequent drills (e.g., quarterly on each shift) — check Table 405.3 carefully (§ 405.3) .
  • Failing to activate the fire alarm for a drill when a fire alarm system exists — initiation is specifically required to be by the alarm (§ 405.8) .
  • Not keeping full records — the code lists 9 required record elements for each drill and these are frequently incomplete in practice (§ 405.6) .
  • Substituting an unplanned, real evacuation (actual alarm event) for a required drill. The code forbids substituting unplanned evacuations for required drills (§ 401.7, referenced in Chapter 4) .
  • Overlooking occupancy-specific additions (e.g., extra staff drills for certain Group I or R occupancies in § 403) — those are in addition to Table 405.3 requirements .

Worked example — hospital (Group I‑2)

Scenario: A hospital staffed 24/7 with three shifts (day, swing, night). Table 405.3 requires Quarterly on each shift for Group I‑2. That means:

  • Drills per shift per year = 4 (quarterly)
  • Total drills per year across all three shifts = 4 × 3 = 12 drills
  • Each drill that is required must: be initiated by the fire alarm if one exists (§ 405.8); involve the staff required to participate (staff-only participation is allowed for some patient-care settings per Table 405.3); and be documented with the record elements listed in § 405.6 (who ran it, date/time, notification method, number evacuated, time to evacuate, problems, etc.) .
    If the hospital conducts an additional staff-only after-hours drill, the code permits a coded announcement instead of a full audible alarm in certain care settings — check the exception language before using that alternative (§ 405.5 exceptions) .

Related provisions

  • § 405.1 — General requirement for emergency fire and evacuation drills (when required)
  • § 405.3 — Frequency; see Table 405.3 for occupancy-by-occupancy frequencies and participation
  • § 405.4 — Leadership / responsibility for planning and conduct of drills
  • § 405.5 — Timing of drills (unexpected times; exceptions for severe climates, coded announcements)
  • § 405.6 — Recordkeeping required items for each drill (9 elements)
  • § 405.7 — Notification to fire code official where required
  • § 405.8 — Initiation: use of the fire alarm system when provided
  • § 405.9 — Accountability: attempts to account for occupants at assembly point (exception for certain care occupancies)
  • § 405.10 — Recall and reentry signal requirements (separate recall signal)
  • Occupancy-specific drill add-ons: § 403.7.1.4 (additional I‑1 staff drills), § 403.9.3.4 (additional R‑4 staff drills), and other 403-series requirements for schools and dormitories

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CFC § 403.9.2.2. High relevance — show source text

    Other Group R-2 occupancies shall be in accordance
    with Section 403.9.2.2.
    c. In Groups I-1 and R-4, see Sections 403.7.1.4 and 403.9.3.4 for additional drills for staff.|a. Emergency evacuation drills are required in Group B buildings having an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of
    exit discharge.
    b. Emergency evacuation drills in Group R-2 college and university buildings shall be in accordance with Section 403.9.2.1. Other Group R-2 occupancies shall be in accordance
    with Section 403.9.2.2.
    c. In Groups I-1 and R-4, see Sections 403.7.1.4 and 403.9.3.4 for additional drills for staff.|a. Emergency evacuation drills are required in Group B buildings having an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of
    exit discharge.
    b. Emergency evacuation drills in Group R-2 college and university buildings shall be in accordance with Section 403.9.2.1. Other Group R-2 occupancies shall be in accordance
    with Section 403.9.2.2.
    c. In Groups I-1 and R-4, see Sections 403.7.1.4 and 403.9.3.4 for additional drills for staff.|

    405.4 Leadership. Responsibility for the planning and conduct of drills shall be assigned to competent persons designated to exercise leadership.

    405.5 Time. Drills shall be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that occur in case of fire.

    Exceptions:

    1. In severe climates, the fire code official shall have the authority to modify the emergency evacuation drill termination points and frequency.
    2. In Groups R-2.1, I-2, I-3 and R-4, where staff-only emergency evacuation drills are conducted after visiting hours or where care recipients are expected to be asleep, a coded announcement shall be an acceptable alternative to audible alarms.

    405.6 Recordkeeping. Records shall be maintained of required emergency evacuation drills and include the following information:

    1. Identity of the person conducting the drill.

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    EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS

    1. Date and time of the drill.

    2. Notification method used.

    3. Employees on duty and participating.

    4. Number of occupants evacuated.

    5. Special conditions simulated.

    6. Problems encountered.

    7. Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated.

    8. Time required to accomplish complete evacuation.

    405.7 Notification. Where required by the fire code official, prior notification of emergency evacuation drills shall be given to the fire code official.

    405.8 Initiation. Where a fire alarm system is provided, emergency evacuation drills shall be initiated by activating the fire alarm system.

    405.9 Accountability. As building occupants arrive at the assembly point, efforts shall be made to determine if all occupants have been successfully evacuated or have been accounted for.

    Exception: In Group I-2 and ambulatory care facilities, the movement of care recipients to safe areas or to the exterior of the building is not required.

  • CFC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text

    Exceptions:

    1. In severe climates, the fire code official shall have the authority to modify the emergency evacuation drill termination points and frequency.
    2. In Groups R-2.1, I-2, I-3 and R-4, where staff-only emergency evacuation drills are conducted after visiting hours or where care recipients are expected to be asleep, a coded announcement shall be an acceptable alternative to audible alarms.

    405.6 Recordkeeping. Records shall be maintained of required emergency evacuation drills and include the following information:

    1. Identity of the person conducting the drill.

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    1. Date and time of the drill.

    2. Notification method used.

    3. Employees on duty and participating.

    4. Number of occupants evacuated.

    5. Special conditions simulated.

    6. Problems encountered.

    7. Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated.

    8. Time required to accomplish complete evacuation.

    405.7 Notification. Where required by the fire code official, prior notification of emergency evacuation drills shall be given to the fire code official.

    405.8 Initiation. Where a fire alarm system is provided, emergency evacuation drills shall be initiated by activating the fire alarm system.

    405.9 Accountability. As building occupants arrive at the assembly point, efforts shall be made to determine if all occupants have been successfully evacuated or have been accounted for.

    Exception: In Group I-2 and ambulatory care facilities, the movement of care recipients to safe areas or to the exterior of the building is not required.

    405.10 Recall and reentry. An electrically or mechanically operated signal used to recall occupants after an evacuation shall be separate and distinct from the signal used to initiate the evacuation. The recall signal initiation means shall be manually operated and under the control of the person in charge of the premises or the official in charge of the incident. Persons shall not reenter the premises until authorized to do so by the official in charge.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(c)(2) and (3)] Fire Drills. (Organized Camps)

    (c) Organized Camps.

    (2) Within 24 hours after arrival, every group of persons attending an organized camp shall be made familiar with the method by which the fire alarm may be activated and with the procedures to be followed upon notification of fire.

    (3) 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.

    SECTION 406—EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND RESPONSE PROCEDURES

    406.1 General. Where fire safety and evacuation plans are required by Section 403, employees shall be trained in fire emergency procedures based on plans prepared in accordance with Section 404.

    406.2 Frequency. Employees shall receive training in the contents of fire safety and evacuation plans and their duties as part of new employee orientation and not less than annually thereafter. Records of training shall be maintained.

    406.3 Employee training program. Employees shall be trained in fire prevention, evacuation and fire safety in accordance with Sections 406.3.1 through 406.3.4.

  • CFC § 405.3 High relevance — show source text
    TABLE 405.3—FIRE AND EVACUATION DRILL FREQUENCY AND PARTICIPATION Col2 Col3
    GROUP OR OCCUPANCY FREQUENCY PARTICIPATION
    Group A Quarterly Staff
    Group Ba Annually All occupants
    Group B (Ambulatory care facilities) Quarterly on each shift Staff
    Group Ba (Clinic, outpatient) Annually Staff
    Group E See Section 403.4 All occupants
    Group F Annually Employees
    Group I-1c Semiannually on each shift All occupants
    Group I-2 Quarterly on each shift Staff
    Group I-3 Quarterly on each shift Staff
    Group I-4 Monthly on each shift All occupants
    Group R-1 Quarterly on each shift Employees
    Group R-2b See Section 403.9.2 All occupants
    Group R-4c Semiannually on each shift All occupants
    a. Emergency evacuation drills are required in Group B buildings having an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of
    exit discharge.
    b. Emergency evacuation drills in Group R-2 college and university buildings shall be in accordance with Section 403.9.2.1. Other Group R-2 occupancies shall be in accordance
    with Section 403.9.2.2.
    c. In Groups I-1 and R-4, see Sections 403.7.1.4 and 403.9.3.4 for additional drills for staff.    		 a. Emergency evacuation drills are required in Group B buildings having an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of
    exit discharge.
    b. Emergency evacuation drills in Group R-2 college and university buildings shall be in accordance with Section 403.9.2.1. Other Group R-2 occupancies shall be in accordance
    with Section 403.9.2.2.
    c. In Groups I-1 and R-4, see Sections 403.7.1.4 and 403.9.3.4 for additional drills for staff.    		 a. Emergency evacuation drills are required in Group B buildings having an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of
    exit discharge.
    b. Emergency evacuation drills in Group R-2 college and university buildings shall be in accordance with Section 403.9.2.1. Other Group R-2 occupancies shall be in accordance
    with Section 403.9.2.2.
    c. In Groups I-1 and R-4, see Sections 403.7.1.4 and 403.9.3.4 for additional drills for staff.

    405.4 Leadership. Responsibility for the planning and conduct of drills shall be assigned to competent persons designated to exercise leadership.

    405.5 Time. Drills shall be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that occur in case of fire.

  • CFC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text
    1. In Group R-2.1, Condition 2, the assembly point for residents is permitted to be within an adjacent smoke compartment.
    2. In Group R-4, actual exiting from emergency escape and rescue openings shall not be required. Opening the emergency escape and rescue openings and signaling for help shall be an acceptable alternative.
    3. In Group I-3, Conditions 2 through 5 where a defend-in-place response is permitted, the assembly point for detainees is permitted to be within an adjacent smoke compartment.
    4. In Group I-3, Conditions 2 through 5, movement of detainees is not required to an assembly point where there are security concerns.

    405.3 Frequency. Required emergency evacuation drills shall be held at the intervals specified in Table 405.3 or more frequently where necessary to familiarize all occupants with the drill procedure.

    [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.

    TABLE 405.3—FIRE AND EVACUATION DRILL FREQUENCY AND PARTICIPATION Col2 Col3
    GROUP OR OCCUPANCY FREQUENCY PARTICIPATION
    Group A Quarterly Staff
    Group Ba Annually All occupants
    Group B (Ambulatory care facilities) Quarterly on each shift Staff
    Group Ba (Clinic, outpatient) Annually Staff
    Group E See Section 403.4 All occupants
    Group F Annually Employees
    Group I-1c Semiannually on each shift All occupants
    Group I-2 Quarterly on each shift Staff
    Group I-3 Quarterly on each shift Staff
    Group I-4 Monthly on each shift All occupants
    Group R-1 Quarterly on each shift Employees
    Group R-2b See Section 403.9.2 All occupants
    Group R-4c Semiannually on each shift All occupants
    a. Emergency evacuation drills are required in Group B buildings having an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of
    exit discharge.
    b. Emergency evacuation drills in Group R-2 college and university buildings shall be in accordance with Section 403.9.2.1. Other Group R-2 occupancies shall be in accordance
    with Section 403.9.2.2.
    c. In Groups I-1 and R-4, see Sections 403.7.1.4 and 403.9.3.4 for additional drills for staff.    		 a.
  • CFC § 403.7 High relevance — show source text

    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:

    1. Procedures for full evacuation of care recipients.
    2. 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.
    3. 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:

    1. Location and number of care recipient sleeping rooms.
    2. 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:

    1. Procedures for evacuation for care recipients with needs for containment or restraint and post-evacuation containment, where present.
    2. A written plan for maintenance of the means of egress.
    3. Procedure for a defend-in-place strategy.

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  • CFC § 403.9.2.2.3 High relevance — show source text

    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:

    1. Location and number of care recipient sleeping rooms.
    2. 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

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    aggregate floor area and for open mall buildings exceeding 50,000 square feet (4645 m [2] ) in aggregate area within the perimeter line.

  • CFC § 403.7.1.3 High relevance — show source text

    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:

    1. Procedures for evacuation for care recipients with needs for containment or restraint and post-evacuation containment, where present.
    2. A written plan for maintenance of the means of egress.
    3. Procedure for a defend-in-place strategy.

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    1. Procedures for a full-floor or building evacuation, where necessary.
    2. 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:

    1. Location and number of care recipient sleeping rooms and operating rooms.
    2. 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.

  • CFC § 404.6.6 High relevance — show source text

    404.6.6 Emergency procedures signage posted prior to the effective date of these regulations may be continued in use until one year after such effective date of these regulations.

    SECTION 405—EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS

    405.1 General. Emergency fire and evacuation drills complying with Sections 405.3 through 405.10 shall be conducted not less than annually where fire safety and evacuation plans are required by Section 403 or where required by the fire code official. Lockdown plan drills shall be conducted in accordance with the approved plan. Such drills shall not be substituted for fire and evacuation drills required by Section 405.3. Drills shall be designed in cooperation with the local authorities.

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    405.2 Occupant participation. Emergency fire and evacuation drills shall involve the actual evacuation of occupants to a selected assembly point and shall provide occupants with experience in exiting through required exits.

    Exceptions:

    1. In ambulatory care facilities and Group I-2, the movement of care recipients to a safe area or to the exterior of the building is not required.
    2. In Group R-2.1, Condition 2, the assembly point for residents is permitted to be within an adjacent smoke compartment.
    3. In Group R-4, actual exiting from emergency escape and rescue openings shall not be required. Opening the emergency escape and rescue openings and signaling for help shall be an acceptable alternative.
    4. In Group I-3, Conditions 2 through 5 where a defend-in-place response is permitted, the assembly point for detainees is permitted to be within an adjacent smoke compartment.
    5. In Group I-3, Conditions 2 through 5, movement of detainees is not required to an assembly point where there are security concerns.

    405.3 Frequency. Required emergency evacuation drills shall be held at the intervals specified in Table 405.3 or more frequently where necessary to familiarize all occupants with the drill procedure.

    [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.

  • CFC § 405.10 High relevance — show source text

    405.10 Recall and reentry. An electrically or mechanically operated signal used to recall occupants after an evacuation shall be separate and distinct from the signal used to initiate the evacuation. The recall signal initiation means shall be manually operated and under the control of the person in charge of the premises or the official in charge of the incident. Persons shall not reenter the premises until authorized to do so by the official in charge.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(c)(2) and (3)] Fire Drills. (Organized Camps)

    (c) Organized Camps.

    (2) Within 24 hours after arrival, every group of persons attending an organized camp shall be made familiar with the method by which the fire alarm may be activated and with the procedures to be followed upon notification of fire.

    (3) 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.

    SECTION 406—EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND RESPONSE PROCEDURES

    406.1 General. Where fire safety and evacuation plans are required by Section 403, employees shall be trained in fire emergency procedures based on plans prepared in accordance with Section 404.

    406.2 Frequency. Employees shall receive training in the contents of fire safety and evacuation plans and their duties as part of new employee orientation and not less than annually thereafter. Records of training shall be maintained.

    406.3 Employee training program. Employees shall be trained in fire prevention, evacuation and fire safety in accordance with Sections 406.3.1 through 406.3.4.

    406.3.1 Fire prevention training. Employees shall be apprised of the fire hazards of the materials and processes to which they are exposed. Each employee shall be instructed in the proper procedures for preventing fires in the conduct of their assigned duties.

    406.3.2 Evacuation training. Employees shall be familiarized with the fire alarm and evacuation signals, their assigned duties in the event of an alarm or emergency, evacuation routes, areas of refuge, exterior assembly areas and procedures for evacuation.

    406.3.3 Fire safety training. Employees assigned firefighting duties shall be trained to know the locations and proper use of portable fire extinguishers or other manual firefighting equipment and the protective clothing or equipment required for its safe and proper use.

    406.3.4 Emergency lockdown training. Where a facility has a lockdown plan, employees shall be trained on their assigned duties and procedures in the event of an emergency lockdown.

    SECTION 407—HAZARD COMMUNICATION

    407.1 General. Where operating or closing a hazardous materials storage, use or handling facility subject to permits under Section 5001.5, or where required by the fire code official, the provisions of Sections 407.2 through 407.7 shall be applicable.

    407.2 Safety Data Sheets. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous materials shall be either readily available on the premises as a paper copy, or where approved, shall be permitted to be readily retrievable by electronic access.

    407.3 Identification. Individual containers of hazardous materials, cartons or packages shall be marked or labeled in accordance with applicable federal regulations. Buildings, rooms and spaces containing hazardous materials shall be identified by hazard warning signs in accordance with Section 5003.5.

  • CFC § 115.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    Evacuation 115.2, 405, 2603.3.4, 2603.3.5 Evacuation Diagrams 403.9.1.1, 403.9.2.3 Evacuation Drills 405 Frequency 405.3, Table 405.3 Notification 405.7 Recall and reentry 405.10 Evacuation Plans 404

    Excess Flow Control

    Defined 202

    Excess Flow Valve

    Defined 202

    Exhausted Enclosure 202, 5003.8.5 Exhibit Gallery Occupancy load Table 1004.5 Exhibition Halls (Occupancy Group A-3)

    202

    Exhibits and Trade Shows 105.5.15 Existing Defined 202 Existing Buildings Chapter 11 Group I-2 1105 Outdoor occupancies 1106 Exit 1022 Configuration 1007 Defined 202

    Enclosure 1023

    Horizontal 1026 Number required 1006 Passageways 1024

    Ramps, interior and exterior 1023, 1027 Stairways, interior or exterior 1023, 1027 Stories 1004.2.3, 1006.3, 1017.3.1 Exit Access 101, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019 Aisles 1018

    Atriums 1006.3.2, 1017.3.2, 1019.3 Balconies 1017.2.1, 1021 Common path 1006.2.1 Corridor 1020

    Doors 1005.7, 1006.2, 1007, 1010,

    1022.2

    Intervening spaces 1016.2 Ramps 1019 Seating at tables 1030.13.1 Single exit 1006.2, 1006.3.3 Stairways 1019 Exit Discharge 202, 1023.12.1, 1023.3, 1024.4, 1028, 1029 Barriers 1023.8

    Courts 1029

    Horizontal exits 1028.2

    Lobbies 1028.2 Public way 1028.5 Termination 1023.3

    Vestibule 1028.2 Expanded Plastic Figure 3203.9(1), Figure 3203.9(2) Defined 202 Expanded Vinyl Wall or Ceiling Coverings 803.7, 803.8 Explosion Defined 202 Explosion Control 911, 2204.1, 2803.2, 2803.2.1, 2905.4, 5004.6, 5005.2.1.2, 5005.2.2.2, 5704.2.5, 5705.3.7.5.2, 5705.3.7.6.2, 5808.6, 6204.1.10, 6304.1.1,

    6704.1.6 Explosive Material Chapter 56 Buildings under construction or demolition 3308

    Defined 202 Explosives and Fireworks Chapter 56 Defined 202 Manufacture, assembly and testing 5605

  • CFC § 404.6.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    The list shall be located in the building manager’s office;_ 5.3. Group I, Division 1 and 2 occupancies as defined in the California Building Code (except honor farms and conserva- tion camps) shall comply with normal hospital policies of assisting patients and guests during an emergency evacuation.

    404.6.5 Training. Hotels, motels, lodging houses and high-rise office buildings shall conduct annually, emergency procedures train- ing for all building employees. Group I, Division 1 and 2 occupancies as defined in the California Building Code (except honor farms and conservation camps) shall conduct quarterly fire emergency training for all building employees.

    404.6.5.1 Fire Safety Directors and their designated emergency personnel shall receive training in the identification and use of facility fire safety equipment, communication procedures, people movement procedures, fire prevention practices and their duties outlined in their respective emergency plan. The training curriculum shall be approved by, and made available to the authority having jurisdiction.

    404.6.5.2 All building employees shall receive training covering the identification and use of facility fire safety equipment, fire prevention practices and appropriate procedures to follow in the event of a fire.

    404.6.5.3 Actual evacuation or relocation of building occupants pursuant to procedures contained in the emergency plan shall be conducted at least annually for all building employees. Appropriate records, including dates, floors or building involved, and persons conducting evacuation or relocation procedures shall be maintained and made immediately available to the authority having jurisdiction upon their request. The authority having jurisdiction shall be notified not less than 48 hours in advance of such planned evacuation or relocation.

    Exception: In hotels, motels, lodging houses and Group I, Division 1 and 2 occupancies as defined in the California Building Code, guests and patients are not required to participate in evacuation or relocation of the building. In hotels, motels, lodging houses, Group I, Division 1 and 2 occupancies as defined in the California Building Code, and high-rise office buildings, on-duty personnel who have security or maintenance related responsibilities, and designated management personnel approved by the fire author- ity having jurisdiction shall not be required to participate in any drill but, they shall provide an alternate method approved by the authority having jurisdiction to measure their knowledge of their respective duties pursuant to the emergency plan.

    404.6.6 Emergency procedures signage posted prior to the effective date of these regulations may be continued in use until one year after such effective date of these regulations.

    SECTION 405—EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS

    405.1 General. Emergency fire and evacuation drills complying with Sections 405.3 through 405.10 shall be conducted not less than annually where fire safety and evacuation plans are required by Section 403 or where required by the fire code official. Lockdown plan drills shall be conducted in accordance with the approved plan. Such drills shall not be substituted for fire and evacuation drills required by Section 405.3. Drills shall be designed in cooperation with the local authorities.

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 4-13

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS

    405.2 Occupant participation. Emergency fire and evacuation drills shall involve the actual evacuation of occupants to a selected assembly point and shall provide occupants with experience in exiting through required exits.

    Exceptions: 1.

  • CFC § 1207.1.8 Medium relevance — show source text

    Fire remediation 1207.1.8 Hazard mitigation analysis 1207.1.6 Large-scale fire test 1207.1.7 Mobile ESS 202, 1207.1, 1207.1.2,

    1207.10 Residential (R-3 and R-4) 1207.11 Stationary ESS 202, 1207 Walk-in units 202, 1207.1.7, 1207.4.12, 1207.4.6, 1207.4.8, 1207.4.9, 1207.5.2, 1207.5.2.1, 1207.5.4, 1207.5.5, 1207.5.6, 1207.6.1, 1207.6.3, 1207.9.4 Energy Systems Chapter 12, 1201.1, 1201.2 Electrical energy storage systems 1201.3, 1207 Emergency and standby power systems 1203

    Permits 105.5.14, 105.6.10, 105.6.21,

    105.6.6 Portable generators 1204, 3309 Solar and photovoltaic systems 1205 Stationary fuel cell power systems 1206 Entry, Right of 104.4 Equipment, Fueled 313 Equipment Platform Defined 202

    Guards required 1015.2 Escalator Openings (see Floor Openings and Shafts) Escape Openings 1031 ESFR Sprinklers (see Automatic Sprinklers) Ethylene Gas 2503

    Generators 2506

    Evacuation 115.2, 405, 2603.3.4, 2603.3.5 Evacuation Diagrams 403.9.1.1, 403.9.2.3 Evacuation Drills 405 Frequency 405.3, Table 405.3 Notification 405.7 Recall and reentry 405.10 Evacuation Plans 404

    Excess Flow Control

    Defined 202

    Excess Flow Valve

    Defined 202

    Exhausted Enclosure 202, 5003.8.5 Exhibit Gallery Occupancy load Table 1004.5 Exhibition Halls (Occupancy Group A-3)

    202

    Exhibits and Trade Shows 105.5.15 Existing Defined 202 Existing Buildings Chapter 11 Group I-2 1105 Outdoor occupancies 1106 Exit 1022 Configuration 1007 Defined 202

    Enclosure 1023

    Horizontal 1026 Number required 1006 Passageways 1024

    Ramps, interior and exterior 1023, 1027 Stairways, interior or exterior 1023, 1027 Stories 1004.2.3, 1006.3, 1017.3.1 Exit Access 101, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019 Aisles 1018

    Atriums 1006.3.2, 1017.3.2, 1019.3 Balconies 1017.2.1, 1021 Common path 1006.2.1 Corridor 1020

Frequently asked questions

How long must drill records be kept?

The CFC § 405.6 lists required record elements but does not specify a retention period in that section; retain records as required by your jurisdiction or the authority having jurisdiction — the code requires that records be maintained and made available when requested (§ 405.6) .

Can a drill be announced in advance?

Where required by the fire code official, you must notify the official in advance (see § 405.7). The drills themselves should be held at unexpected times to simulate real conditions unless the local authority permits otherwise (§ 405.5, § 405.7) .

If we have a fire alarm system, can we use a voice-only message instead?

If a fire alarm system is provided, the drill must be initiated by activating the fire alarm system per § 405.8. Some occupancies and circumstances allow alternatives (coded announcements for certain staff‑only drills); consult the exception language and your AHJ (§ 405.5 exceptions, § 405.8) .

Do guests/patients need to participate in drills at hotels or hospitals?

Guests and patients are generally not required to participate in hotels, motels, lodging houses, and some Group I occupancies; staff drills and staff training are emphasized instead. See related training and plan requirements in Chapter 404/406 and the exceptions in those sections (§ 404.6.5, § 406.2) .

Who must run and design the drills?

Drill planning and conduct must be assigned to competent persons designated to exercise leadership; drills should be designed with local authorities per § 405.4 and § 405.1 .

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